(Video) HK hit with record-breaking rainfall in 139 years, traffic halts as roads turn into rivers

The Observatory said that Hong Kong has seen record-breaking rainfall since 1884, with widespread flooding across the city and disrupted road and rail traffic in the early hours of Friday.

The government said it will closely monitor the latest situation of the weather, roads and public transport services and announce before 6.00 am whether it is necessary to suspend work and school classes.

Due to severe road flooding and adverse weather, KMB announced it will suspend the daytime routes services on Friday until further notice.

The Observatory Headquarters has recorded an hourly rainfall of 158.1 mm between 11 pm (Sept 7) and midnight, the highest in 139 years. 

The weather watchdog added that the trough of low pressure associated with the remnant of Haikui had brought torrential rain to the coast of Guangdong since last night. More than 70 mm of rainfall was recorded in most parts of the territory from 6 pm to midnight, while over 200 mm were recorded in Kowloon, the northeastern part of the New Territories and Hong Kong Island.

A Black Rainstorm Warning was issued at 11.05 pm Thursday. As of 1am, the authorities received 12 confirmed cases of flooding.

Services of all KMB and Citybus late-night and overnight bus routes on late Thursday were suspended as affected by the heavy rain and severe flooding.

The MTR Corporation announced at 12.30 am on Friday that the Kwun Tong Line service was disrupted due to flooding in section near Wong Tai Sin Station. Trains between Whampoa Station and Kwun Tong Station are suspended, while trains between Kwun Tong Station and Tiu Keng Leng Station have to operate at 12-minute intervals.

Online videos showed flood waters rushing into Wong Tai Sin station, while a train not stopping at the station as the platform was flooded.

Some exits of Chai Wan Station and Sheung Shui Station also have to be temporarily closed due to flooding.

Photos showed Chai Wan Road roundabout, Lung Cheung Road, Sha Tau Kok Road and Cross-Harbour Tunnel have been turned into rivers by the heavy rain.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he was very concerned about the severe flooding across the city and has instructed all departments to respond with all-out efforts.

(Updated at 04.00 am)

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