Amber rainstorm warning in Hong Kong, with thunderstorms expected over weekend

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.Hong Kong is bracing for a series of thunderstorms on the weekend, with the weather forecaster issuing an amber rainstorm warning on Saturday morning.The Hong Kong Observatory announced the amber warning, the lowest of the three-tiered rainstorm warning system, at 11am. It also said rain was particularly heavy in Tai Po district and might cause serious flooding.An amber warning means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.“There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk posed by the heavy rain and flooding,” the Observatory said.It also warned that heavy rain might lead to flash floods and the public should stay away from watercourses.