Heavy rains caused disruptions to businesses and transport in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam on Dec. 17, 2019. (Xinhua)

Heavy rains on Tuesday brought businesses and transport to a standstill in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam as the country's meteorological agency issued the latest weather forecast alert, saying more torrential rains were expected.

Most businesses remained closed throughout the day as transport to the commercial capital city center was suspended since morning after most of the roads were submerged by flash floods.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) warned in its latest weather forecast that more torrential rains were expected in Dar es Salaam, Coast, Tanga, Morogoro, Dodoma and Singida regions, and parts of the Zanzibar archipelago.

Heavy rains caused disruptions to businesses and transport in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam on Dec. 17, 2019. (Xinhua)

"People are requested to monitor TMS weather forecast updates," said the weather forecast, adding that heavy rains were also being experienced in southern highlands regions of Katavi, Rukwa, Mbeya and Songwe, and in Ruvuma, Lindi and Mtwara regions.

The Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force issued a statement asking people residing in Dar es Salaam's valley areas to vacate the areas to avoid being swept away by flash floods.

In May 2019, uninterrupted rainfall also caused serious flooding in Dar es Salaam, resulting in the displacement of over 1,000 households and the destruction of more than 1,500 dwellings and important infrastructure.