GEORGE TOWN: An hour-long heavy downpour this evening wreaked havoc in several parts of the state, with the northeast district hit the hardest.
Motorists using the Penang Bridge also reported seeing a waterspout.
The heavy downpour, coupled with strong winds at about 5.45pm, hindered visibility and in its wake, left massive traffic jams en route to the city centre.
Heavy traffic was also observed along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway heading to Weld Quay.
Over at Lebuh Queen, Jalan Sungai Pinang, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Haji Hashim Iman, water rose quickly to above ankle level.
It is believed that the rubbish-chocked drains in these areas further aggravated the situation.
The rain started to subside by 7.15pm but reported flash floods have yet to recede.