The Observatory issued the Black Rainstorm Warning at 9:10am on Tuesday - the first such signal this year.

"The Rainstorm Warning Signal is now Black. This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue," the forecaster said.

"Under the influence of an area of intense thundery showers over a broad trough of low pressure, showers are particularly heavy over Southern District and Lamma Island. Severe rainstorm of more than 100 millimetres of hourly rainfall has been recorded," it added.

It advised the public to take shelter in a safe place because of seriously flooded roads and inclement weather conditions.

The Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 8:05am and raised it to the red signal at 8:40am.

The Education Bureau, meanwhile, said schools should implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students.

It also said all afternoon schools would be suspended, while classes already ongoing should continue until school hours come to an end.

The Hospital Authority said general and specialist out-patient clinics, as well as day hospitals will be closed due to the black rainstorm warning.

"However, service would be provided to patients who are now at the clinics. Patients who have not yet arrived at the clinic are advised to make a new appointment after the cancellation of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal," a statement read.

The Department of Health, for its part, said its clinics would remain open as far as possible to serve those who are now at the clinics.

Separately, the Home Affairs Department's emergency co-ordination centre is now in operation.

It would open temporary accommodation for those in need.

The Judiciary said that all hearings set for or after 9.10am would be adjourned.

Hearings in the afternoon would remain adjourned if the black rainstorm warning remains in force at or after 11am.
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Last updated: 2025-07-29 HKT 10:55