The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Black Rainstorm Warning at 7.50am on Thursday, as the territory is lashed by intense thundery showers under the effect of Tropical Storm Podul.

This is the fifth time the territory's top rain warning was issued since July 29, in an unprecedented spell of bad weather that has shattered previous records of the number of black rain warnings issued in a full year.

The observatory said there was an “exceptionally severe” rainstorm that may dump more than 140mm of rain per hour in Central and Western District.

“Severe” rainstorms in Chek Lap Kok, Kwai Tsing and Tuen Mun are expected to see more than 100mm of hourly precipitation.

The observatory urged people to stay on high alert, warning of potential serious flooding, and said people should not attempt to travel until the black warning signal is no longer in force and traffic conditions have improved.

Drivers, it added, should be aware of the likelihood of serious road flooding and traffic congestion.

Forecasters further warned of violent gusts of wind affecting the territory, and advised people who are caught outdoors to seek safe shelter immediately.

An amber rain signal was issued at 5.22 and was upgraded to a red warning at 6.35am, before it was escalated to black.

The Education Bureau says all students of morning schools and whole-day schools do not have to attend school today.

The Social Welfare Department said its various service centres, including those providing welfare, childcare and elderly services, will not be open to the public during the black rain warning, though normal operations would resume in two hours once the alert is lowered -- if the weather and conditions permit.

Clinics under the Department of Health will also remain closed, with the exception of methadone clinics. The department urged patients with prior appointments to make new ones after the black warning is cancelled.

The Home Affairs Department has activated its Emergency Co-ordination Centre, and said it will open temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation.

Standby Signal No. 1, meanwhile, remains in force as Tropical Storm Podul continues to weaken as it moves inland away from Hong Kong.

"When Podul no longer poses a threat to Hong Kong, the Observatory will cancel all Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals or replace the Standby Signal, No. 1 by the Strong Monsoon Signal," the observatory said.

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Last updated: 2025-08-05 HKT 08:40