Associated with active southwest monsoon and upper-level disturbances, intense thunderstorms are continuing to affect Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. A Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in effect and is expected to last until at least 11:00 am today (Aug. 5). Over the past two to three hours, multiple areas in HK have recorded more than 100mm of rainfall.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued a special weather alert at 6:00 a.m. today, warning of torrential rain in the North District, Tsuen Wan, and Tai Po, with the possibility of severe flooding. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to reduce risks associated with heavy rain and flooding.
Hourly rainfall in these areas is estimated to exceed 100mm. At 9:15 a.m., the Observatory extended the alert to Central and Western Districts as well as the Islands District, warning of torrential rain and potential severe flooding, with hourly rainfall also estimated to exceed 100mm. Around 8:35 a.m., Cheung Chau recorded gale-force winds exceeding 90 km/h.
Photos shared online depict severe flooding in various areas, with roads turning into rivers. In Tseung Kwan O's Po Lam King Yin Lane, parking spaces were submerged, and several vehicles were trapped in water, including a taxi almost completely submerged.
According to the Observatory's records, since 1884, there have been eight instances of hourly rainfall reaching the "torrential rain" level, two of which were classified as "extreme torrential rain." The first occurred on June 7, 2008, during a Black Rainstorm Warning, while the second happened during the "Century Black Rainstorm" on Sept. 7, 2023.
2008 rainstorm turned Tai O into an "isolated island"
On June 7, 2008, HK experienced a once-in-a-century rainstorm. Heavy rain and thunderstorms began in the early hours and peaked at dawn. The Observatory issued a Black Rainstorm Warning lasting 4 hours and 20 minutes. Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., a record-breaking hourly rainfall of 145.5mm was recorded, with over 300mm of rain falling throughout the day.
Severe flooding occurred in many urban areas, including Wing Lok Street and Des Voeux Road West in Sheung Wan, damaging dried seafood stores. Tai O was inundated, and telephone lines and water supply pipes connecting the area were destroyed, leaving residents without water and electricity. The North Lantau Highway was also closed due to landslides and muddy torrents, isolating Tai O. Residents could only travel by boat until restoration efforts partially resumed communications after half a day. However, the water supply pipes were not repaired in time, and residents had to rely on temporary water provided by the Water Supplies Department ships.
The storm also caused city-wide flooding, leaving numerous vehicles stranded and causing severe traffic disruption. A major landslide occurred at Castle Peak Road in Tuen Mun, resulting in two fatalities. A total of 39 landslide reports were filed, and road access between the city and the airport was temporarily cut off, leading to flight delays. More than 10 people were injured, and two died during the storm.
2023 "Century Black Rainstorm" flooded Wong Tai Sin mall
On Sept. 8, 2023, HK experienced a "Century Black Rainstorm." Influenced by the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Haikui, located about 400km east of HK, the torrential rain began on the night of Sept. 7. Between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, the Observatory recorded an hourly rainfall of 158.1mm, breaking the 15-year record set in 2008. From Sept. 7 to 8, multiple areas recorded rainfall exceeding 400mm, with the Eastern and Southern Districts of HK Island receiving over 800mm.
More than 60 flooding incidents and numerous landslides were reported, with power and water outages in some areas. The Black Rainstorm Warning remained in effect for 16.5 hours, making it the longest in HK's history before being lifted at 3:40 p.m. the following day. The "Century Black Rainstorm" resulted in at least two deaths and over 140 injuries.
During the storm, Lung Cheung Road in Wong Tai Sin saw severe flooding, with water levels reaching halfway up car bodies. The ground floor of a mall in Wong Tai Sin was completely submerged, leaving only the tops of restaurant signs visible. Serious landslides occurred on Yiu Hing Road in Shau Kei Wan, while the car park of Chai Wan Wan Tsui Estate was entirely flooded, submerging several vehicles.
Landslides and road collapses on Shek O Road led to the full closure of its only external access, isolating Shek O, Cape D'Aguilar, and Big Wave Bay. Authorities arranged for residents to leave by sea. Meanwhile, landslides at the luxury housing estate Redhill Peninsula exposed illegal structures and encroachments on public land.
Related News:
Headless body found in Wan Chai amid Black Rainstorm, police launch investigation
Saturday's Black Rainstorm causes 5 severe flooding cases: DSD resolves within 1-2 hours
Comment