Observatory could issue red rainstorm warning, monitoring thundery showers

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 is considering whether to issue a red rainstorm warning, less than two hours after sending out the amber signal on Monday morning.The forecaster said at 12.55pm that areas of intense thundery showers were affecting Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.“Whether the red rainstorm warning signal needs to be issued depends on the development of the areas of thundery showers,” the Observatory said.“Members of the public should stay alert and continue to take note of the latest weather information.”The forecaster issued the amber warning at 11.10am, which means heavy rain exceeding 30mm has fallen or is expected to fall in an hour and is likely to continue.A red signal means that rainfall levels are expected to reach 50mm.The city’s three-tier rainstorm warning system classifies the signals by colour – amber, red and black.The forecaster also warned on Monday that violent gusts were affecting the city, with wind speeds of about 90km/h (55.92mph) recorded at Lau Fau Shan at around 12.50pm.Further Reading