Hong Kong experienced bouts of heavy rain on Friday, with the red and amber rainstorm warning signals in force for a while.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 9:25 am and later elevated the alert to red signal at 10:00 am. However, the red signal was downgraded one and a half hours later and the amber warning signal was re-issued.
The forecaster canceled all rainstorm alerts at 1:10 pm.
An active southwesterly airstream was bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms to the coast of Guangdong, with heavy showers bringing more than 50 millimeters of rainfall to many places this morning, the observatory said, adding that rainfall even exceeded 100 millimeters in the districts of Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing and Yuen Long.
The observatory reminded the public to stay alert to the danger that may be brought about by river flooding, even though all rainstorm warnings have been canceled.
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A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government said classes of all PM schools are suspended in the afternoon. AM and whole-day schools which are in session should continue until the end of school hours. They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home. Classes of evening schools will proceed as usual tonight unless advised otherwise.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District; and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
The Home Affairs Department's Emergency Co-ordination Centre and the emergency hotline 2572 8427 have ceased to operate, after the red rainstorm warning signal was canceled.
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The weather will improve in the following few days as the anticyclone aloft is expected to strengthen gradually and it will become very hot with a few showers, according to the HKO's forecast.
