Hong Kong issues first black rainstorm warning of year as heavy downpours hit city
Hong Kong's weather forecaster has issued its first black rainstorm warning of the year as heavy rain hit the city. Showers were particularly heavy on Lamma Island, with severe rainstorms of more than 100mm (4 inches) of hourly rainfall being recorded, the Hong Kong Observatory said. The forecaster called on the public to avoid travelling until the black rainstorm signal was no longer in force and traffic conditions improved. It also warned that heavy rain might bring about flash floods.
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South China Morning Post
8 hours ago
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Hong Kong records 56% more monthly rainfall in July thanks to Typhoon Wipha
Hong Kong recorded a rainy July with monthly rainfall hitting 56 per cent 'above the normal' levels following a 'very dry' first half of the year, according to the city's forecaster. The Hong Kong Observatory said on Monday that the city experienced 'more significant rainfall' in July, recording 601.7mm (24 inches), or around 56 per cent above the climatological normal of 385.8mm. The increased rainfall was due to remnants of tropical cyclone Danas in early July and Typhoon Wipha in mid-July, as well as showers associated with troughs of low pressure and active southwesterly airstreams during the month, the forecaster said. On July 20, Wipha brought the city to a standstill as a No 8 signal or above was in force for 19 hours on the day, including seven hours for the highest No 10 hurricane warning. More than 33 people were injured, with at least 2,284 fallen tree reports, seven flooding incidents and more than 500 flights cancelled. The Observatory issued No 1 typhoon signal Dana for 50 hours between July 4 and 6.
South China Morning Post
14 hours ago
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Hong Kong lowers red rainstorm signal to amber as unstable weather persists
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP's journalism by subscribing . New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Advertisement Hong Kong's weather forecaster has downgraded a red rainstorm signal to yet another amber, while all afternoon schools remain suspended as areas of thundery showers associated with an active southwest monsoon are developing. The Hong Kong Observatory issued its third amber warning on Monday at 1.25pm, replacing the red signal raised just over an hour earlier. The forecaster first put up an amber warning 6.30am. It was then cancelled at 9am and issued again at 10.25am. The Home Affairs Department earlier activated its emergency coordination centre and opened temporary shelters when the red rainstorm signal was in effect. Advertisement Meanwhile, red flags were hoisted at several beaches across Hong Kong, including Hung Shing Yeh Beach on Lamma Island, Pui O Beach on Lantau Island and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung district.
RTHK
15 hours ago
- RTHK
Red rainstorm warning issued at 12.20pm
Red rainstorm warning issued at 12.20pm The Observatory warned that further heavy rain could cause, or may have already caused, serious road flooding and significant traffic congestion. Photo: RTHK The Hong Kong Observatory on Monday issued the red rainstorm warning at 12.20pm. The forecaster said an active southwest monsoon combined with an upper-air disturbance is generating heavy showers and squally thunderstorms affecting the coast of southern China and the northern part of the South China Sea. It warned that further heavy rain could cause, or may have already caused, serious road flooding and significant traffic congestion. The public is strongly advised to stay away from watercourses due to the threat of flash floods. Residents living near rivers are urged to remain highly vigilant, monitor weather conditions closely and consider evacuating if their homes face imminent flooding risks. In response to the severe weather, the Education Bureau announced that all afternoon classes are cancelled. Schools already in session are instructed to continue operating until their normal dismissal time but must ensure conditions are safe before allowing students to return home. Regarding evening classes, it said that if the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued or if all rainstorm warnings are cancelled at or before 5pm, evening school classes will proceed as usual tonight unless further announcements are made. The Social Welfare Department confirmed that all units providing specific services will remain open during their normal operating hours. This includes child care centres, services under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, after-school care programmes for pre-primary or primary school children, elderly services centres, day pre-school rehabilitation services units and day rehabilitation units. Additionally, the Home Affairs Department has opened temporary shelters for people requiring temporary accommodation, and its emergency coordination centre is now operational. Meanwhile, the Labour Department issued a reminder to employers, urging them to establish clear work arrangements for staff in advance concerning reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work, and remote working options during and after rainstorm warnings or extreme conditions. It emphasised that these proactive measures are essential to ensure employee safety, maintain smooth organisational operations and foster good labour-management relations.
