Hong Kong Issues Black Rainstorm Warning, Causes Flight Disruptions

Hong Kong lowered its rainstorm warning to yellow after issuing its second black alert of the year, which prompted flight disruptions, the suspension of afternoon classes and flooding in the northern New Territories.

The warning was issued at 3.40pm on Thursday, after the Hong Kong Observatory cautioned of heavy showers, squally thunderstorms and flooding risks across several districts.

“According to the present assessment, the black rainstorm warning signal will at least remain in force until 3pm,” the forecaster said. “The Observatory will issue the red rainstorm warning signal to replace the black rainstorm warning signal at 3.05 pm.”

It was the second time the Observatory had issued the highest level in its three-tier rainstorm warning system within a month. The first black rainstorm warning this year was issued on June 8 and lasted about an hour.

According to the Hong Kong Airport Authority’s website, at least five inbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports. For example, Air China flight CA101 from Beijing was diverted to Guangzhou, while Loong Airlines flight GJ8007 from Hangzhou was rerouted to Haikou.