Hong Kong Observatory warns of thunderstorms and hail

Hong Kong today woke to thunderstorms and rain with the Observatory warning of possible hail showers, days after giant hail stones pounded parts of the city.

Following early storms the skies darkened again just before midday and the heavens opened

Hong Kong Observatory warned of "widespread heavy rain" this afternoon and calculated that lightning struck the territory 71 times between 11am and midday.

It issued a thunderstorm warning at 4.30am, leaving in place for most of the day.

Gusts of wind reaching 90 kilometres per hour or above may affect the city, it warned.

Today's storms come after hailstones the size of golf balls hit Hong Kong at the weekend. A Black Rainstorm warning was raised and widespread reports of flooding were recorded.