Torrential rains triggered heavy flooding in parts of Sao Paulo on Wednesday (December 10), causing traffic headaches and damaging homes and businesses.

A sudden heavy rainstorm coming from the interior of the state of Sao Paulo pounded the city, dumping up to 60 millimetres (2.36 inches) on some parts of the city in just a matter of hours.

Cars were swept away by the rushing water, stranding motorists and even city buses.

One driver was surprised to find a snake had taken refuge from the rising waters under the hood of his car.

The afternoon rainstorm had mostly subsided by early evening.

It was not clear if the wet weather would help alleviate stressed reservoirs that had been at critically low levels due to a prolonged drought in the state, the worst in 80 years.