Thunder and downpours in Hong Kong as Observatory issues first-ever February rainstorm warning
- Amber warning signal issued at 9am, indicating rainfall exceeding 30mm per hour
- It is the second earliest rainstorm warning issued in a calendar year since the current three-level system was adopted in 1998
Hong Kong on Tuesday woke to thunder and downpours heavy enough to warrant the first rainstorm alert of 2019 – the second earliest ever issued in a calendar year.
The Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 9am, indicating rainfall exceeding 30mm per hour. It was cancelled at 10.10am.
“There will be flooding in some low lying and poorly drained areas,” the Observatory said. “People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk.”
It is the first time any rainstorm warning has been issued in February since the current three-level rainstorm warning system was adopted in 1998.
According to Observatory figures, the earliest amber rainstorm signal ever issued was in January 2016.
A trough of low pressure is currently bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to the coast of Guangdong province, the forecaster said on Tuesday morning.
Parts of the Islands district were being hammered by up to 42mm of rain, while Wan Chai and Southern were getting anywhere from 19 to 27mm. A thunderstorm warning was in place from 6am.
Warm weather with sunny periods and foggy mornings and evenings is in store for the next couple of days, with average temperatures rising slightly to between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius (73-77 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday.
Wet weather is expected to make a return over the weekend.
