HK paralyzed by Black Rainstorm as floodwaters engulf major roads

Hong KongObservatory issued its highest-level Black Rainstorm Warning at 9.45am on Saturday, signaling widespread hourly rainfall exceeding 70 millimeters across the territory.

The torrential downpour triggered severe flooding that crippled key transport corridors during the morning rush hour, with multiple districts reporting submerged roads.

Critical highways faced major disruptions as floodwaters rose.

By 10am, sections of the North Lantau Highway toward Kowloon near Sunny Bay became partially submerged, leaving only the fast lane passable amid worsening congestion.

Simultaneously, Tai Mong Tsai Road in Sai Kong near Tso Wo Hang was completely inundated, blocking all traffic through the area. 

The crisis deepened at 10.15am when waist-high flooding at the Tsuen King Circuit flyover near Tsuen Wan MTR station reduced traffic to gridlock, severely impacting access to Tuen Mun Highway.

While some routes showed tentative recovery, residual chaos persisted. Floodwaters receded along Tseung Kwan O Road near Kwun Tong Disciplined Services Quarters and Tuen Mun Highway near Sea Crest Villa Phase 4, but both corridors remained choked with heavy congestion as authorities worked to clear backlogged traffic.

Notably, emergency crews had deployed preemptive measures before conditions deteriorated. During the preceding Red Warning phase, drainage teams and the specialized robotic unit were activated at the notorious Chai Wan Road Roundabout Garden flood hotspot, where crews cleared storm drains.