Hong Kong: Flash flooding due to heavy rainfall May 24

Event

Heavy rainfall resulted in flash flooding and severe disruptions in many parts of the city of Hong Kong on Wednesday, May 24. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a “black” rainstorm warning early on Wednesday morning to warn of rainfall rates exceeding 7 cm (3 in) per hour. The Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po districts have already recorded over 10 cm (4 in) of precipitation.

The black rainstorm warning was lifted at 12:30 (local time) on Wednesday and replaced with an “amber” warning, before all warnings were canceled at 16:00. The Hong Kong Observatory continues to advise people to stay alert to still existent dangers caused by the flooding.

A runway was temporarily closed at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) after a plane slid off during landing.

Advice

Individuals present in Hong Kong are advised to keep abreast of weather reports and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through floodwater can be dangerous – 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.