CLOSE to two inches of rain fell in a single hour yesterday morning, causing flooding in parts of Hamilton and a backlog in commuter traffic.

Meteorologist Declan O'Connell reported that 1.72 inches of rain fell between 9 a.m and 10 a.m., causing localised flooding to areas in north Hamilton, Mill Creek and Dundonald Street.

"It is quite a lot for a one-hour period but we don't really keep records of short falls so we can't compare it," he said. "But it's not unusual. Over the years there have been plenty of times when a couple of inches of rain fell in one day."

The showers and accompanying high winds were caused by a slow-moving cold front, described as "unusual" for this time of month, by Mr. O'Connell.

"A slow-moving cold front brought heavy showers and winds of 30 to 40 knots with gusts at the airport of 46 knots, some time around 5 a.m. It is unusual to have such a wintry looking storm in May. Around this time of year the fronts are not so strong or reaching the island as much."

The deluge brought total precipitation for the month to 5.28 inches, he added.

"May is usually reasonably dry. The average is 3.01 inches, so we're well ahead of the average for the month."

If the present forecast holds true, Mr. O'Connell said, Bermuda should enjoy sunnier weather in the coming days.

"The weekend looks nice. There's still the chance of a light rain but it looks good all the way through to Bermuda Day, May 24."