Chandigarh/Mohali, Aug. 9 -- With 86 mm rain in just about 90 minutes at the Sector 39 observatory, Chandigarh roads were left inundated up to the berm, forcing residents to wade through knee-deep water even as two-wheeler riders were seen pushing their stalled vehicles while cars developed snags and clogged up the already choked roads.

Massive traffic jams were seen, especially in the western sectors around Sector 38, 39, 40, and along the Madhya Marg in the North. Sectors 8, 9, 10, 18, 21 and 35 also reported massive snarls due to the unprecedented rain.

Many residents reported that their commute, which would take them about 20 to 30 minutes on a regular day, turned into hour-long ordeals. At several places, traffic police were spotte...