Hong Kong faces hail threat as amber rainstorm warning issued

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.The Hong Kong Observatory has warned that hail may affect the city shortly, after issuing the amber rainstorm signal on Sunday afternoon.The amber signal was raised at 2.20pm, indicating heavy rain exceeding 30mm (1.2 inches) per hour had fallen or was expected to persist across the city.“Hong Kong is expected to be affected by hail in the short term,” the Observatory said at around 3pm.Under the influence of the northeast monsoon and localised upper-air disturbances, the weather was expected to remain slightly cooler over Guangdong province for the next couple of days, it said.“Upper-air disturbances will bring showers to the region. With the upper-air disturbances departing, showers will ease off over the coast of Southern China midweek this week,” the Observatory said.Pedestrians in Tsim Sha Tsui. The forecaster has urged the public to seek shelter. Photo: Jelly TseIt also warned that violent gusts might affect Hong Kong, urging the public to seek safe shelter immediately.The forecaster added that flooding would occur in some low-lying and poorly drained areas, urging residents to take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk.“Heavy rain may bring about flash floods. People should stay away from watercourses. People who are likely to be affected by flooding should take necessary precautions to avoid losses,” it said.Further Reading