Hong Kong Observatory issues red rainstorm warning

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 issued a red rainstorm warning on Monday evening and forecast heavy rain for the next 24 hours.The forecaster first issued an amber warning at 7.20pm before upgrading it to red 30 minutes later.Earlier, at 5pm, it warned that the rainfall could reach around 100mm in 24 hours as a trough of low pressure over Guangdong was edging closer to the coastal areas.“The local weather will be persistently unsettled with showers and squally thunderstorms on Monday night and Tuesday morning,” the forecaster said.“Members of the public should pay attention to weather tips and warning messages issued by the observatory before going to work or school.”The red warning indicates rainfall of 50mm per hour has fallen or is expected to fall over Hong Kong.