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Hong Kong day classes suspended amid red rainstorm alert, city braces for flash floods

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Hong Kong day classes suspended amid red rainstorm alert, city braces for flash floods

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Hong Kong on Friday suspended day classes after the Observatory issued a red rainstorm warning at 5.55am.

The alert, upgraded from an amber signal issued at 3.55am, was expected to disrupt commuter travel during the morning rush hour.

Lanes on the Chai Wan-bound Island Eastern Corridor near Provident Centre were partially closed to motorists due to “stagnant water on the road”, which led to heavy traffic, the Transport Department said.

Hong Kong rainstorm alerts to be enhanced, drainage works prioritised: John Lee

The Observatory warned that heavy rain would bring flash floods and called on residents living near rivers to stay alert.

According to the forecaster, a trough of low pressure will bring heavy showers and thunderstorms to southern China and the northern part of the South China Sea in the next couple of days. The weather will only improve slightly over the coastal areas of Guangdong early next week.

Earlier on Monday, heavy downpours caused flooding at eight locations in Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O and Kwun Tong. Roads were closed temporarily as commuters across the city returned to work and school after a record rainstorm last week.

Heavy downpours flood 8 sites in Hong Kong but all roads reopen in afternoon

Last Thursday night, a black rainstorm alert lasted more than 16 hours, with the city reporting its heaviest-ever hourly rainfall of 158.1mm since records began in 1884.

The downpour brought the city to a standstill as streets were turned into rivers, drivers were left stranded in cars, restaurants and railway stations flooded and landslides struck near residential estates. More than 140 people were sent to hospital,with a man killed after being washed away by floodwater.

More to follow …

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