Hong Kong lowers black rainstorm warning, second of the year, to red signal
- Highest level of three-tier warning system was issued as torrential downpours hit the city
- Flooding on some streets observed, with pedestrians stranded as authorities urged the public to seek shelter
Hong Kong’s black rainstorm warning, the second for the year, was on Wednesday night downgraded to a red signal as the downpour eased over the city.
The highest level of a three-tier system came into force at 8.10pm, indicating that very heavy rain at a rate of more than 70mm an hour had fallen or was expected to fall, with the harsh weather likely to continue. It was lowered to a red signal at 9.25pm.
At the height of the storm, streets in Ngau Tau Kok were severely flooded with pedestrians stranded briefly. The Observatory warned of flash floods, advising the public to seek shelter in a safe place.
It will mainly be cloudy with showers on Thursday. Heavy rain and squalls are expected, easing off gradually throughout the day.
The red warning indicated that heavy rain exceeding 50mm in an hour had fallen or was expected to.