Hong Kong hit by heavy showers and thunderstorms, amber rain warning issued twice
Quick Look
- Hong Kong experienced heavy showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, leading to an amber rainstorm warning being issued twice.
- A lightning strike damaged a diving platform at Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, though no injuries were reported.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Hong Kong was affected by heavy showers and thunderstorms due to a southwest monsoon trough and a low-pressure trough. An amber rainstorm warning was issued twice on Saturday.
Hong Kong has been hit by heavy showers and thunderstorms under the combined influence of a southwest monsoon trough and a low-pressure trough, damaging part of a public swimming pool, with an amber rainstorm warning issued twice on Saturday.
The downpours prompted the Hong Kong Observatory to issue an amber rainstorm warning – the lowest in a three-tier system – at 5am on Saturday, before cancelling it at 8.45am and restoring it at 2.15pm.
More than 30mm of rainfall was recorded in many areas during the morning.
Tsuen Wan was among the worst hit, recording 70mm of rain – a level comparable to the threshold for a top-tier black rainstorm warning.
The Observatory warned of possible flash floods, urging people to stay away from watercourses and advising drivers to be alert.
According to the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union, lightning struck a diving platform at Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool at 6.41am on Saturday, causing alarm among swimmers and severely damaging a concrete platform. It said no one was injured.
Open Questions
- What is the estimated cost of repairs for the damaged diving platform?
- Will there be further weather warnings issued?
