Hong Kong closed schools today, Thursday, after authorities issued the second-highest rain warning and warned of severe flooding, following days of the city experiencing its heaviest rainfall in 140 years. On September 7, Hong Kong issued a heavy rainstorm warning signal to residents, with rainfall lasting for an hour reaching a record level since 1884. The special zone government announced the closure of all schools on September 7 and 8.
The Observatory issued a "red" warning before 6 AM local time, stating: "Rainfall levels exceeded 50 millimeters in one hour, and rain is expected to continue." It added, "Heavy rain will cause flash flooding, or flooding is expected to occur in watercourses."
The heavy rain comes as the city is still repairing damage caused by the rainfall that accompanied Typhoon Haikui, which passed near the island in recent days. The Observatory has warned of flash flooding and traffic congestion after issuing the red rain warning. All schools in Hong Kong have closed for the day.
