Hong Kong Observatory urges residents to stay alert to danger of river flooding after issuing red rainstorm warning for second time in 2 days
The Hong Kong Observatory has warned of serious flooding after issuing a red rainstorm warning on Friday evening, the second such alert in two days.
The red signal issued at 8.40pm was downgraded to amber, the lowest in the three-tier warning system, at 10pm. All rainstorm signals were cancelled at 11.45pm.
“Though the rainstorm warning has been cancelled, people should stay alert to the danger that may be brought about by river flooding,” the Observatory said.
Hong Kong’s Shek O isolated for second time in a week amid heavy rain
Hong Kong’s Shek O isolated for second time in a week amid heavy rain
After issuing the red warning earlier, the forecaster said downpours were particularly heavy in Ma On Shan, exceeding 100mm an hour.
In Sai Kung, Sha Tin and Tai Po districts hourly rainfall of at least 70mm was recorded.
The forecaster earlier warned of flash floods and advised the public to stay away from watercourses. Drivers were also warned of serious flooding and traffic congestion.
It said rainbands in waters south of Hong Kong were drifting north and approaching the city.
The poor weather was associated with a trough of low pressure, which was expected to continue into the weekend.
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Hong Kong flooded by ‘once-in-a-century’ rainstorm
Hong Kong flooded by ‘once-in-a-century’ rainstorm
The Observatory said the weather would only improve in the following couple of days as a northeast monsoon would dominate the coast of southeastern China in the middle and latter parts of next week. The weather is expected to be fine next week.
The red warning signifies that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 50mm in an hour, and is likely to continue.
