HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory on Saturday warned of a few severe squally thunderstorms with violent gusts during the weekend.

The warning came as widespread rain poured on the city. “Rain is particularly heavy in Tai Po district. It may cause serious flooding,” the city’s forecaster said as it issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 11:00 am for almost three hours.

The lowest of the three-tiered rainstorm warning system, the signal means heavy rain of more than 70 millimeters of hourly rainfall has fallen or is expected to fall in the above regions.

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“There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk posed by the heavy rain and flooding,” reads the HKO weather bulletin.

Cautioning that heavy rain may bring about flash floods, the observatory advised people to stay away from watercourses.

The government urged the members of the public to report any street flooding that comes to their notice to the Drainage Services Department by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline on 2300 1110.

With a trough of low pressure affecting Guangdong, the weather will be cloudy with a few showers during Saturday night, according to the HKO.

There will be more showers with a few squally thunderstorms and moderate south to southeasterly winds on Sunday, it added.