The Hong Kong Observatory issued its first black rainstorm warning signal of the year today (July 29) at 9:10 am.
The Observatory stated that the black rainstorm warning indicates that widespread areas of Hong Kong have recorded or are expected to receive rainfall exceeding 70 mm per hour, and the heavy rain may continue. Due to severe flooding on roads and deteriorating weather conditions, citizens are advised to stay in safe locations. Parents, students, school authorities, and school bus drivers should pay attention to announcements from radio and television regarding schools. No one should go out while the black rainstorm warning is in effect and until traffic conditions improve. The Observatory also mentioned that the heavy rain could trigger flash floods, and river channels have already overflowed or may overflow, so citizens should stay away from riverbanks. Residents near river channels should closely monitor the weather conditions and consider evacuation if their homes are at risk of flooding.
The Observatory first issued an amber rainstorm warning at 8:05 am, upgraded it to a red rainstorm warning 35 minutes later, and then escalated it to a black warning about half an hour after that. During this time, a warning was issued for localized heavy rain, particularly in the Sai Kung District and Eastern Hong Kong Island.
The Education Bureau stated that schools should take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students. Schools that are currently in session should continue classes until the scheduled dismissal time and may allow students to return home only when it is safe to do so.
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