Torrential rains swept through Shanghai on Monday, flooding homes and roads. Thunderstorms began at about 6 a.m. in downtown Shanghai, with local weather and flood offices quickly issuing a potential hazard warning.

Torrential rains swept through Shanghai on Monday, flooding homes and roads. Thunderstorms began at about 6 a.m. in downtown Shanghai. [Xinhua]

Rainfall totals far exceeded the drainage capacity in many districts, leading to flooding of more than 60 roads and more than 100 homes. Several highway flyovers were also closed temporarily. More than 600 drainage workers were dispatched across the city to open up drains. More than 20 flights were delayed in the city's two airports. Shanghai's Municipal Weather Observatory says the excessive rain was caused mainly by weather phenomena known as an upper trough and a near-land stationary front.

(CCTV August 27, 2008)