Horse races and soccer fall victim to weather
Heavy downpours of more than 70mm fell on parts of the city yesterday, the unsettled weather forcing the abandonment or curtailing of a series of Sunday activities.
An amber rainstorm warning was issued at 1.05pm and was in force for almost two hours as the Observatory recorded persisting widespread rainfall brought by a low-pressure system near Hainan .
The rain spoiled punters' fun at Sha Tin Racecourse during the afternoon, with the Jockey Club forced to cancel two of the meeting's races. Bets will be refunded.
Soccer fans were also upset by the decision of the Football Association to call off two FA Cup quarterfinals - South China versus Happy Valley, and Citizen versus TSW Pegasus - at Mong Kok Stadium. The games have been rescheduled to tomorrow night.
Gusty winds also forced suspension of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on Lantau late in the morning for about an hour. Service resumed before 1pm.
Red flags were hoisted to warn swimmers to stay out of the water at least 12 beaches across Lantau, Sai Kung and Southern District because of big waves.
The Observatory said it had recorded a wind speed of more than 70km/h on Cheung Chau at about 1pm yesterday.
Heavy falls of more than 70mm of rain were also recorded at Sha Tin and Tseung Kwan O during the afternoon, it said.
The unstable weather could continue for a few days, the Observatory forecast.
Today's weather would be cloudy with showers and a few squally thunderstorms, it said. Showers would be heavy at times during the morning. Temperatures would range between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Fresh easterly winds, occasionally strong over offshore waters and on high ground, were expected and would be gusty at times.
The Drainage Services Department advised the public to report any flooding to its 24-hour hotline, 2300 1110.
More to come
Unsettled weather is expected to continue for several days
At 1pm on Cheung Chau yesterday, the Observatory recorded a wind speed of: 70km/h
