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Hong Kong Hit by Black Rain Warning
18 Jun
Summary
- Hong Kong's highest black rain signal was raised on Thursday.
- Schools closed and businesses halted due to severe flooding fears.
- Shenzhen, China, also issued a red rain signal for safety.
On Thursday, Hong Kong's observatory elevated its highest black rain signal to alert residents of imminent severe flooding. This warning led to the closure of schools and the temporary halt of some business operations, with authorities urging the public to seek shelter and remain vigilant.
The observatory indicated that rainfall rates are likely to surpass 70 millimeters per hour and continue for some time. This is the second instance of a black rain warning being issued in Hong Kong this year, following one on June 8. The region, alongside much of southern China, has experienced persistent heavy rainfall attributed to an active southwest monsoon and a low-pressure trough.
In addition to the intense rainfall, Hong Kong has also recorded strong wind gusts, with speeds around 80 km per hour noted in the Tai O district. This weather situation unfolds just before the Dragon Boat Festival, a period typically characterized by increased travel among residents.
Authorities in Shenzhen, a major city in mainland China bordering Hong Kong, responded by issuing a red rain signal. They advised residents to steer clear of low-lying and waterlogged areas, citing an increased risk of mountain floods, landslides, and other associated dangers.
