The Hong Kong Observatory has cautioned against flooding triggered by torrential downpours as it lowered the Black Rainstorm Warning signal on Thursday.

The Red Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued at 11.10am to replace the city's fifth black alert of the year, which lasted for more than three hours.

The signal was further lowered to amber at 12.10am.

Flooding swept through parts of the city when the black rain signal was in force, with online footage showing water gushing up to the road from a gutter on Water Street in Sai Ying Pun.

Meanwhile, the water level on Pok Fu Lam Road was as high as 200 millimetres at one point.

The Drainage Services Department said there were six water pumping robots in use, including three newly acquired machines. Five cases of flooding were received as of 10.30am.

The Airport Authority said of the flights scheduled before 2pm, five had been cancelled and another 145 delayed.

It also said operations on the apron were temporarily suspended when the airport-specific Red Lightning Warning was in force.

The Standby Signal No. 1, meanwhile, was cancelled at 12.20pm as Tropical Storm Podul moves further away from the territory.
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Last updated: 2025-08-14 HKT 12:20