Severe Storm Strikes Hong Kong: Observatory Considers Red Rain Warning

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a special weather warning due to a severe thunderstorm system affecting the region. Authorities announced that they are evaluating the possibility of issuing a Red Rain Warning depending on the further development of the system. While the rainfall, effective since the early morning hours, is expected to intensify, heavy rainfall exceeding 30 millimeters per hour was recorded across the region. Emergency warnings were issued for citizens to stay away from open areas and take shelter in safe places. This meteorological event, which is effective across Hong Kong, is expected to maintain its impact throughout the day.

The events began at 05.30 local time with the escalation of the Amber Rain Warning. This warning confirmed that widespread and heavy rainfall exceeding 30 millimeters per hour was expected or recorded across the region. Around 07.35, weather experts reported that a very powerful storm cluster was moving across the city. Because the system carries the potential for severe winds and sudden squalls, individuals who were outside in the morning were asked to immediately find a safe shelter. In this context, severe winds reaching approximately 90 km/h were recorded in the Cheung Chau area during the morning hours.

One of the greatest dangers brought by the rainfall was the sudden floods that occurred in some areas. At 07.30 in the morning, authorities issued a special flood report for the north of the New Territories, specifically covering the Pat Heung and Kam Tin areas. Shortly after, at 08.05, a Localised Heavy Rain Warning was issued for the Yuen Long area, stating that the hourly rainfall could reach or exceed 100 millimeters. Residents living in low-lying areas with inadequate drainage systems were urged to remain on high alert and take preventive measures to avoid potential property damage. Motor vehicle drivers were warned about severe road flooding and possible traffic congestion.

While rainfall exceeding 30 millimeters fell in many areas during the morning hours, this figure exceeded 70 millimeters in the Tsuen Wan area. Experts stated that the main cause of this weather event is an active southerly airstream and high atmospheric disturbances affecting Guangdong province and the northern part of the South China Sea. While the temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees throughout the day, strong winds are forecasted to occasionally blow in coastal and high-level areas. The sky is expected to remain generally cloudy, with intermittent severe downpours and storms predicted.

In the coming days, however, a significant change in weather dynamics is expected. Showery and unstable weather conditions are expected to continue until Wednesday, but in the later days of the week, the outer effects of Tropical Cyclone Bavi approaching from the south are predicted to regulate the region's weather. On Friday and Saturday, the weather will clear up in inland areas, and extremely hot days are expected. Nevertheless, early next week, a broad low-pressure trough is likely to return to the region along the northern South China Sea and the southern coast of China. This situation could pave the way for unstable and stormy weather to re-emerge in the region.