Torrential rain battered Phuket, leaving parts of the resort island submerged.

Heavy downpours began at dawn and spawned flash floods across the busy holiday island today.

Areas near Patong Beach were inundated, including the Pearl Circle and Marine Plaza, as commuters were warned to avoid swamped routes.

Flooding was also reported at the Nai Han T-junction in Rawai and along Phra Phuket Kaeo Road, though most vehicles were still able to battle through the deluge.

Traffic police were deployed to ease congestion outside schools.

The Thai Meteorological Department today issued a yellow rainfall alert for Phuket, warning of heavy rainfall between 35 to 90 millimetres (1.3 to 3.5 inches) until Saturday morning.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season, which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rainstorms in the afternoon, leading to widespread flash floods.