BUSINESSES situated along Nede St in Lautoka City were again at a standstill after water flooded the street and forced a popular second-hand shop to close for a few hours yesterday.
As rain continued in the Sugar City, restaurant owner Susan Huang became increasingly agitated by the rising water.
"It's very unusual for us to see water flooding this road but once it started, it has been happening every time there is heavy rain," said Ms Huang.
"We keep watching how fast the water is rising and if it happens to come into the restaurant, then we have to close."
Ms Huang recalled how the last heavy downpour earlier this month kept customers at bay.
"We had to close down too because the water entered the main eating area and reached the kitchen.
"On that day alone, we had to clear out water from the restaurant three times," she said.
As floodwaters rose in the one-way alley, popular second-hand clothing store Value City closed for a few hours to prevent water from entering the shop.
Meanwhile, Lautoka City Council workers travelled through the city boundaries inspecting flooded areas.
LCC chief executive officer Jone Nakauvadra said council workers had cleared debris along the drain system while a floodgate had been built to stop any further blockages.
Director of Meteorology Alipate Waqaicelua said while the rainy condition was caused by a trough of low pressure over the group, the weather should ease from Wednesday. Mr Waqaicelua said easterly trade winds moving into the country would bring about finer weather for the Western Division while the eastern parts would experience trade showers.