Hong Kong Issues Second Black Rainstorm Warning of the Year, Disrupting Flights and Classes

Hong Kong has issued its second black rainstorm warning of the year, prompting flight disruptions and afternoon class suspension, and triggering flooding in the northern New Territories.

The warning was issued at 12.55pm on Thursday, as the Hong Kong Observatory cautioned of flooding risks across several districts. It indicates that very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally across the territory, exceeding 70mm in an hour.

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

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.

“Students attending afternoon-session schools do not need to go to school today. Schools should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after students who arrive,” the Education Bureau said.