Hongkongers told to beware of possible flooding, some roads still closed as amber rainstorm warning ends
- More than 40mm of rain falls citywide in morning, with Sai Kung logging the most at over 80mm, forecaster says
- Amber rainstorm warning cancelled after being in force more than four hours, but wet weather to continue in coming days
More than 40mm (1.6 inches) of rain fell citywide on Tuesday morning, with Sai Kung recording the most at over 80mm, the weather forecaster said.
“Though [the] rainstorm warning has been cancelled, people should stay alert to the danger that may be brought about by river flooding,” the Observatory said.
The warning issued at 8.30am indicated that heavy rain, exceeding 30mm in an hour, had fallen or was expected to fall over the city and was likely to continue. It was cancelled at 12:50pm.
A thunderstorm warning issued at 4.45am remained in effect.
All lanes of Clear Water Bay Road between Ngan Ying Road and Hang Hau Road in Sai Kung were still closed to traffic in the afternoon because of fallen trees, the Transport Department said.
Bus routes in the area, including KMB’s 91 and 91M services, as well as Citybus’ 792M route, were being diverted.
Also remaining in effect was a one-lane, two-way traffic arrangement on Hang Hau Road near Tseung Kwan O Hospital due to road subsidence, the department said.
Earlier in the day, the forecaster told residents to seek shelter and beware of flying debris as “violent” gusts reaching 90km/h (56mph) battered the city.
Hong Kong told to brace for more wet weather in week ahead
The speed limit for all lanes on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was halved to 50km/h due to the strong winds at one point, but returned to normal at around 1pm.
The Observatory had also warned of “serious flooding” in Sai Kung district. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions to avoid flood damage and stay away from the shoreline, while drivers were told to expect road flooding and traffic congestion.
The Observatory said the weather would remain cloudy with squally thunderstorms and showers throughout the afternoon.
Intense thundery showers associated with a trough of low pressure were affecting the coastal areas of Guangdong province, the forecaster said.
It said the weather would remain unsettled with occasional showers and thunderstorms in the next few days, with rain expected to be particularly heavy on Thursday and Friday.
The first and second amber rainstorm warnings of the year were issued last Thursday and Saturday, with the third coming on Sunday.
Temperatures for the coming nine days were expected to range between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius (71 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit).
