Bermuda was battered yesterday by torrential rain that caused severe flooding in some areas.

The Bermuda Police Service advised motorists to avoid part of Middle Road in Southampton.

On Facebook, the BPS posted: “Motorists are being asked to avoid the portion of Middle Road, Southampton, near the junction with Lighthouse Road [Waterlot Inn], due to severe flooding in the area.

“There have already been reports of vehicles stalling after making attempts to pass through.

“Please use alternative routes.”

Photographs and videos of flooding throughout the island were circulated on social media.

They included images of Bakery Lane in Pembroke as well as videos of shops and restaurants that took in water.

One resident who lives on St John’s Road, where there was significant flooding, sent photographs to The Royal Gazette.

She said: “This is typical whenever there is lots of rain. The rainwater comes down Berkeley Road Hill and meets St John’s Road, impacting traffic.”

Another posted on social media: “We’ve all witnessed or seen the videos and pictures after the serious rainfall.

“This tells us that we have a serious infrastructure problem that has been neglected for some time.

“We need to do better because this is not it.

“Higher demands need to be made because the people of Bermuda deserve better.”

The Bermuda Weather Service reported: “An abundance of moisture is being drawn up ahead of the low set to pass to our south today.

“Sporadic periods of rain with embedded showers and potentially gusty winds last through late afternoon, then drier and brighter conditions briefly return on Thursday.

“Hurricane Milton will downgrade to a post-tropical low shortly after entering the Atlantic and is expected to generate strong and gusty local winds as it passes to our south this weekend.”

As of 6am this morning, Hurricane Milton was considered a potential threat to the island, with its closest point of approach in the next 72 hours forecast to be about 170 miles to the island’s south at 11am on Saturday.

The Ministry of Public Works said the intensity of the rain “temporarily exceeded” the capacity of roads and drainage.

Drains are functioning if waters recede in two to four hours after rain, but “prolonged standing water beyond this period may suggest areas that require further attention”.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, acknowledged that today’s “unprecedented” downpour had caused difficulties.

"The sheer volume of water overwhelmed our drainage infrastructure, which is designed to handle typical weather patterns,“ he added.

Motorists were advised to avoid driving through floods to prevent vehicles stalling and consider parking somewhere safe to wait out heavy rains.

Car pooling and working from home were recommended to reduce congestion.

The public were advised to report flooding issues by emailing potholes@gov.bm.

These reports will be cross-referenced with existing data on drainage-prone areas to develop improvement plans.

Residents and businesses were advised to ensure that landscaping debris, such as leaves, stays off roadways, while construction sites were urged to keep sand and other materials from entering the streets.

A spokesman added: “Clearing debris from roadway grates and inlet systems near properties can significantly improve water flow and reduce flooding risks.

“During heavy rains, debris accumulation can quickly lead to clogged drains.”

• Do you have photos or videos of the flooding in Bermuda or were you affected? E-mail us at news@royalgazette.com