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Lam Ka-sing

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Hong Kong lowered its rainstorm warning to red after issuing its second black alert of the year, which prompted flight disruptions, the suspension of afternoon classes and flooding in the northern New Territories.
The warning was issued at 3.05pm on Thursday, as the Hong Kong Observatory cautioned of heavy showers, squally thunderstorms and flooding risks across several districts.
“According to the present assessment, the black rainstorm warning signal will at least remain in force until 3pm,” the forecaster said.
“The Observatory will issue the red rainstorm warning signal to replace the black rainstorm warning signal at 3.05 pm.”
It was the second time the Observatory had issued the highest level in its three-tier rainstorm warning system within a month. The first black rainstorm warning this year was issued on June 8 and lasted about an hour.

“Students attending afternoon-session schools do not need to go to school today. Schools should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after students who arrive,” the Education Bureau said.
It added that schools already in session should continue until the end of the school day and ensure conditions were safe before allowing students to return home.
The Observatory issued a special announcement on flooding in the northern New Territories at 1.20pm, warning that heavy rain was affecting areas including Yuen Long, Pat Heung, Kam Tin, San Tin, Ngau Tam Mei, Sheung Shui and Ta Kwu Ling.
Videos circulating on social media show buses and private vehicles stranded in Kam Tin, Yuen Long and Sheung Shui, while farmland near Sheung Shui was inundated.
In one clip near a construction site, a man is seen wading through waist-deep water after getting out of a black private car with its rear window open.
Water levels in a large nullah in Yuen Long rose so quickly that they nearly reached road level.
The Observatory also issued a landslip warning at 1.30pm, urging the public to keep away from steep slopes and retaining walls.
“Keep away from steep slopes or retaining walls. Motorists should avoid driving in hilly areas or on roads with landslip warning signs,” it said. “Cancel non-essential appointments, stay at home or remain in a safe shelter. If you see signs of landslip danger, keep away from the area and report to police.”
Some MTR exits were closed as a precaution against flooding due to adverse weather, including Exit A2 at Sham Shui Po, A1 at Choi Hung, B3 at Wong Tai Sin and Exit A at Quarry Bay.
Citybus adjusted services on several routes, including enhancing Route B7 between Heung Yuen Wai Control Point and Fanling MTR station following the suspension of minibus services. It also suspended four routes and adjusted operating hours for another four.
KMB suspended its tour routes and temporarily diverted several others due to serious flooding in multiple locations in the North District, including routes 76K, 77K and 79K.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department urged the public to avoid visiting country parks. Those already in country parks should, depending on conditions, leave immediately or seek shelter in a safe place, the department said.
The Social Welfare Department said all child care centres, Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project services, after-school care programmes for pre-primary and primary schoolchildren, elderly service centres, and day rehabilitation units would remain open during normal operating hours to provide care.
The forecaster said sunny intervals were likely to return on Friday afternoon despite strong winds and a few showers, before conditions turned very hot over the weekend and into early next week.
“The weather will be very hot and generally fine over southern China from early to midweek next week,” the Observatory said. “A southerly airstream is expected to bring a few showers to the coast of Guangdong later in the week.”

Friday marks the Tuen Ng Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, giving residents a three-day weekend through Sunday.
The forecaster said coastal areas of Guangdong were hit by intense thundery showers on Thursday.
“There may be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. Those likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce the risk posed by heavy rain and flooding,” the Observatory said.
“Heavy rain may trigger flash floods. People should stay away from watercourses and take necessary precautions to minimise potential losses.”
Rain was particularly heavy in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, which may lead to serious flooding, the Observatory said, adding that more than 70mm of hourly rainfall had fallen or was expected to fall in those areas.


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Hong Kong weather

Heavy showers have hit Hong Kong. Photo: Nora Tam

The Observatory has warned of flooding risks across several districts. Photo: Handout

Black rainstorm warning indicates that very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally across the territory, exceeding 70 mm in an hour. Photo: Handout

The warning was raised at 12.55pm. Photo: Dickson Lee

The black rainstorm warning has been issued. Photo: Dickson Lee

Afternoon schools have been suspended. Photo: Nora Tam

The Black rainstorm warning indicates that very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally across the territory, exceeding 70 mm in an hour. Photo: Dickson Lee

Tourists brave stormy weather at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Photo: Jelly Tse

Lightning flashes over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour on June 6. Photo: Karma Lo

Lightning illuminates the night sky above Sha Tin as the Observatory issues the first black rainstorm warning of the year on June 8. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong lowers black rainstorm warning to red after disruptions, flooding

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Warning issued at 3.05pm, replacing the year’s second black rainstorm alert

Warning issued at 3.05pm, replacing the year’s second black rainstorm alert