Lightning strikes in Zhengzhou on Monday. Heavy precipitation hit the capital of Central China’s Henan province at 6 p.m., submerging roads and disrupting traffic. Photo: VCG

Commuters wade through a waterlogged road. The rain was watched closely on social media platforms as dark clouds hid the city’s skyline from view, turning day into night. Photo: VCG

A courier rides a scooter in the rain. Hourly precipitation in the city exceeded 100 millimeters from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, according to the Henan Meteorological Service. Photo: VCG

A man walks through a flooded street after opening a manhole cover to drain water. Photo: IC Photo

Floodwater submerges a construction site. Photo: VCG

A man wades through a flooded road. Photo: VCG

Vehicles swarm crossroads after the rain. Photo: VCG

The city’s sky turns orange at sunset after the rain. Photo: VCG