Hong Kong authorities issued the city’s highest-level Black Rainstorm Warning on Thursday as torrential downpours battered the financial hub, forcing schools to close and disrupting some business operations.
The Hong Kong Observatory raised the Black Rainstorm Signal at 12.55pm local time, urging residents to seek shelter immediately and remain alert for potential flash floods and other weather-related dangers.
Meteorologists warned that rainfall exceeding 70 millimetres per hour was expected to continue, increasing the risk of severe flooding in low-lying areas.
The latest alert marks the second time this year that Hong Kong has activated its highest rainstorm warning. The first Black Rainstorm Signal was issued on June 8.
Hong Kong and large parts of southern China have experienced days of persistent heavy rain due to an active southwest monsoon combined with a lingering low-pressure trough affecting the region.
In addition to the intense rainfall, strong winds were reported across parts of the territory. The observatory recorded wind speeds of around 80km/h in Tai O, located in the southwestern part of Hong Kong.
The severe weather comes just ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday on Friday, when many residents are expected to travel during the three-day weekend.
Across the border, authorities in Shenzhen also issued a Red Rainstorm Warning and advised residents to avoid low-lying flood-prone areas and other potentially hazardous locations.
Officials warned that continued heavy rain could trigger mountain flooding, landslides and other natural disasters in affected regions.
Authorities on both sides of the border are closely monitoring conditions as the wet weather system continues to impact southern China.
