Floods expected in Hong Kong after heavy rainstorms

The Hong Kong Observatory lowered its amber rainstorm warning signal at 11.25pm Monday following hours of heavy downpours and after issuing a red signal at one point as flooding was expected in parts of the city.

Earlier the official weather forecaster said heavy rain had fallen or was expected to fall generally over Hong Kong.

An amber signal means rainfall exceeds “30mm in an hour” and is “likely to continue”, while a red signal connotes more than “50 mm in an hour”.

“Further heavy rain could cause, if not already caused, serious road flooding and traffic congestion and could disrupt normal school hours,” it added.

“There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk posed by the heavy rain and flooding.”