The Hong Kong Observatory extended its Black Rainstorm Warning until at least 3:00 pm today, marking an unprecedented fourth such warning this year - the highest number since records began.
The persistent torrential rains have created challenging conditions across the city, though Hong Kong International Airport has managed to maintain core operations despite significant disruptions. Flight tracking data shows 61 departures and 40 arrivals delayed as of mid-morning, with two international flights canceled entirely - Fiji Airways' service to Nadi and HK Express's flight from Hualien. Two additional inbound flights were forced to divert to alternative airports due to the severe weather.
Airport officials are advising travelers to verify their flight status through airline contacts or the airport's digital platforms before heading to the facility, warning that both flight schedules and ground transportation may experience further disruptions as the storm system continues to affect the region. The record-breaking frequency of extreme rainfall events this year has raised concerns among climate scientists, who note the increasing volatility of weather patterns in subtropical coastal cities like Hong Kong. While critical infrastructure remains operational, the Observatory continues to caution residents about potential flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas. The education sector has followed standard protocols with all schools remaining closed, while financial markets have maintained normal operations despite the challenging conditions. This latest weather event surpasses the previous annual record of three Black Rain warnings, set in 2020 and matched last year, underscoring what climate researchers describe as a worrying trend toward more frequent and intense precipitation events in the region.
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