Hong Kong downgrades red rainstorm warning to amber after class suspensions
Observatory switches signals three times in 90 minutes with schools told to stay open but dismiss students only when safe
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The Hong Kong Observatory has downgraded the red rainstorm warning to amber within an hour of issuing it, after the warning prompted the suspension of afternoon classes.
The forecaster switched rainstorm signals three times within 90 minutes on Friday, reissuing the amber signal at 1.20pm to replace the red signal put up at 12.15pm, which forced the suspension of afternoon classes. It had issued the first amber signal of the day at 11.50am.
“Areas of intense thundery showers are developing and affecting Hong Kong,” it said, urging the public to stay away from watercourses and take necessary precautions, as heavy rain could trigger flash floods in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Rain was particularly heavy in the New Territories, especially in Tai Po and Sai Kung.
The Education Bureau said afternoon lessons were cancelled, but schools should remain open and only dismiss students after confirming it was safe to do so. It added that any classes already in progress should continue as normal until the end of the school day.