HKO issues red rainstorm warning amid heavy downpours

Source: China Daily Asia

HONG KONG - People in Hong Kong woke up to hard rain on Saturday with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing the first red rainstorm signal of the year amid heavy downpours.

The red rainstorm warning, issued at 8:55 am, means rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters has fallen in an hour, and is likely to continue.

Sai Kung has seen very heavy rain, with the forecaster saying that more than 100 millimeters have been recorded.

It asked people to stay away from watercourses across the city due to the possibility of flash floods, warning that severe rainstorms would continue to affect the eastern part of Hong Kong.

Following wet weather overnight, the government earlier urged residents to report flooding to the Drainage Services Department.

Schools have canceled special interest classes. They have been told to make sure conditions are safe before allowing students to leave.

The government has told employers to make safety arrangements for staff to cope with the situation.