Amber Rainstorm signal in force; all afternoon schools suspended

The Observatory issued the Amber Rainstorm signal at 10.40 am on Thursday replacing the earlier Red Rainstorm signal. The Education Bureau announced that all PM schools are suspended this afternoon. 

“AM and whole-day schools which are in session should continue until the end of school hours. They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home,” the bureau said. 

Since the Amber Rainstorm signal is now in force, the Observatory said heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimeters an hour, and is likely to continue. 

This morning, heavy showers brought more than 50 millimeters of rainfall to many parts of the city, and the Red Rainstorm signal was issued at 9.36 am. Rainfall even exceeded 70 millimeters in South Lantau and Lamma Island.