The Hong Kong Observatory cancelled all rainstorm warnings on Saturday afternoon, a little more than six hours after issuing the second black signal of the year as heavy showers and thunderstorms hit the city.
“Though the rainstorm warning has been cancelled, people should stay alert to the danger that may be brought about by river flooding,” the forecaster said in a 4:02 pm bulletin.
With an active southwest monsoon bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms to the coast of southern China and the northern part of the South China Sea, the HKO first issued an amber signal at 6:50 am on Saturday.
READ MORE: HK lifts all alerts after downpours trigger first black signal of year
The alert was raised to red at 9:10 am only to be upgraded to black – the highest in the city’s three-tier rainstorm warning system – at 9:45 am.
On July 29, the observatory issued the first black rainstorm warning of the year.
The MTR Corp – the city’s sole railway operator – closed some exits of a few stations including Choi Hung, Wong Tai Sin and Sham Shui Po stations as a precautionary measure against flooding.
Coral Sea Ferry Services, which connect Kwun Tong, Sai Wan Ho, and Sam Ka Tsuen, were suspended, while Tsui Wa Ferry Service was also disrupted.
As of 11:15 am, the Drainage Services Department received four reports of flooding along North Lantau Highway, Tuen Mun Road, Tai Mong Tsai Road in Sai Kung, and the North West Tsing Yi Interchange.
Intense gusts exceeding 80 KM per hour were recorded at Cheung Chau at around 9:40 am, it added.
After the issuance of the black alert on Saturday, the Education Bureau asked schools to implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students. Schools that are in session should continue until the end of school hours and should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home, it added.
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The Hospital Authority announced that its general outpatient clinics, specialist outpatient clinics including allied health services, geriatric day hospitals, and psychiatric day hospitals will close with the black rainstorm warning signal in effect.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department urged members of the public not to visit beaches for water sports activities during the passage of the rainstorm while the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said people should avoid visiting country parks. Those who are currently in country parks should immediately leave or take shelter at a safe place, it added.
