Heavy downpour cascades down hillside during Hong Kong's first Black Rainstorm of the year
The city's highest rainstorm warning was issued at 9.10am on Monday, with the Observatory reporting over 100 millimetres of rain falling within an hour.
In less than two hours, the authorities lowered the warning to Red at 11.05am and downgraded it to Amber at 11.45am.
Rain was especially heavy in the Eastern and Southern Districts. Authorities warned of landslide risks and urged the public to stay clear of slopes.
A video circulating online showed water cascading down the hillside of Yiu Hing Road near Yiu Tung Estate in Shau Kei Wan, flooding roads and pedestrian walkways.
Other footage showed severe flooding in Shek O, while photos depicted a car park in Chai Wan's Wan Tsui Estate covered in water.
As of 11.30am, the Drainage Services Department reported five flooding incidents at the Chai Wan Road roundabout; the roundabout near South Bay Road in Repulse Bay; Stanley Village Road; Big Wave Bay Village; and Wang Long Village on Lamma Island.
Showers were also intense over Lamma Island, due to strong thunderstorms within a broad trough of low pressure, the Observatory added.
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Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travelling until the warning is lifted and road conditions improve. The Observatory also urged vigilance against flash flooding.
The MTR temporarily closed several station exits because of the rainstorm: Exit A2 at Sham Shui Po, Exit B3 at Wong Tai Sin, and Exit A1 at Choi Hung.
Citybus reported overall normal service, though some routes to Shek O, Stanley, Tai Tam, and Sai Kung faced traffic delays and flooding.
Temporary shelters have been opened for those in need of emergency accommodation. Child care centres, elderly service centres, vocational rehabilitation centres, and other facilities operated by the Social Welfare Department will remain open.
The Judiciary announced that all court and tribunal hearings scheduled after 9.10am were adjourned. As the Black Rainstorm warning remained in effect at 11am, hearings were postponed for the remainder of the day.
The Department of Health said government clinics would stay open as long as possible to assist patients already present. Those unable to attend their appointments are advised to reschedule once the warning has been lifted.
The Education Bureau announced the suspension of all evening school classes. Classes already in session in the morning and whole-day schools should continue until the end of the school day. Schools are advised to ensure conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.
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