Take shelter, Coconauts. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has issued the very first Black Rainstorm warning of the year, which longtime residents know means potential flooding, a swarm of umbrellas, and absolutely no chance of hailing a reasonably priced taxi.
The HKO hoisted the Amber Rainstorm signal at 6:40am, before upgrading it to a Red Rainstorm warning at 9:15am, then Black at 11:30am. The signals mean that heavy rain is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30mm, 50mm, or 70mm an hour, respectively. Additionally, gusts reaching 70km an hour may affect the city.
Don’t even think about braving the roads right now — the HKO has warned members of the public to stay in safe, sheltered places, due to “seriously flooded roads”. “Seriously” is right, based on this picture of Chai Wan roads:
https://www.facebook.com/IRIAASIAHK/photos/pcb.1782245698753283/1782245332086653/?type=3&theater
Flash floods are expected to occur in watercourses and people living in close proximity to rivers should consider evacuation if their homes become flooded.
The Education Bureau issued a statement that classes at all afternoon schools would be suspended due to the weather. Sorry, morning and/or whole-day school students — and whichever HKU students exited the MTR station to this:
According to the HKO, over 150mm of rainfall was recorded in Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po, so cancel any plans you might have there later on today, if possible. The thundery showers across Hong Kong are associated with a trough of low pressure affecting the coastal areas of Guangdong.
The rain is expected to ease up by tomorrow, with a few showers in the morning but cloudy conditions predicted for the rest of the day.
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