Waterspout spotted in Hong Kong as strong winds and heavy rain disrupt transport

City also set to face rainy week ahead caused by trough of low pressure that will affect coastal areas of Guangdong

Observatory urges residents to exercise caution as an area of intense thundery showers over western Guangdong is gradually moving eastward

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A waterspout was spotted around 9.30am. Photo: HKO

Published: 10:16am, 21 Apr 2024Updated: 7:10am, 22 Apr 2024

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Strong winds and heavy rains brought down trees and disrupted transport across Hong Kong including tram service to The Peak, with a waterspout spotted off Clear Water Bay, on Sunday.

The Observatory issued a nearly four-hour amber rainstorm warning at 10am – after the same alert was issued the night before – warning of “violent” gusts of wind and flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas.

The Observatory said the waterspout was reported at about 9.30am at Clear Water Bay in the New Territories. Waterspouts are fast-rotating air columns above water that extend down from the base of clouds.

The waterspout was spotted at Clear Water Bay. Photo: Facebook/ Cheung WingWing

Wind speeds of 105km/h (65mph) and 100km/h were recorded on Green Island – off the northwest coast of Kennedy Town – and at Cheung Chau respectively at around 11.05am.

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