The Black Rainstorm Warning was issued at 5.50am – the second time the top rain warning was in force on Tuesday – as Hong Kong continues to be lashed by heavy rain.

The Hong Kong Observatory said persistent rain has brought over 70mm of rain to many areas across the territory over the past several hours, and rainfall exceeded 150mm over parts of Tai Po, Tsuen Wan and North District, resulting in flooding from Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O to Sha Tin.

The Drainage Services Department deployed 110 emergency response teams to 240 flood prone locations to mitigate the impact.

Forecasters have also recorded over 5,000 lightning strikes in the territory, and warned of wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour.

The observatory further warned people to stay away from watercourses due to the risk of flash floods, and said people who live close to rivers should consider evacuating if their homes become flooded.

The highest rainstorm warning was issued on Monday evening at 23.45pm before it was downgraded to a red warning at 2.10am on Tuesday.

It was further downgraded to amber 50 minutes later before the observatory again raised the red warning at 5.20am.

That warning lasted only half an hour before the Black Rainstorm Warning was issued again.

All AM and whole-day school classes have been cancelled, though they have been instructed to implement contingency plans and arrange for staff to look after students who might arrive and ensure that conditions are safe before they make their way home.

A government spokesman said if the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal or cancels all signals before 10.30am, classes of PM schools will proceed unless advised otherwise.

The Social Welfare Department said its welfare services units, along with various child care, elderly care and rehabilitation services will not be open to the public due to the warning.

It will resume normal services two hours after the Black Rainstorm Warning is lowered if the weather and conditions permit.
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Last updated: 2025-08-05 HKT 08:08