(File photo)
(File photo)
(File photo)
Hong Kong has endured an unprecedented stretch of extreme rainfall, with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing four Black Rainstorm Warnings within just eight days—setting a grim new record for the most top-level alerts in a single year.
The relentless downpours have transformed streets into rivers, disrupted transportation networks, and put the city on high alert.
Historic rainfall event
The most recent Black Rainstorm Warning took effect at 5.50am today, a mere six hours after the previous alert was lifted at 11.45pm on August 4.
The warning remained active for over 11 consecutive hours before being downgraded to Amber at 5.05pm, marking the second-longest continuous Black Rain alert in Hong Kong's history.
Only the devastating "Black Rainstorm of the Century" in September 2023 lasted longer, persisting for 16 hours and 35 minutes.
Breaking down the numbers: a warning every other day
This week's extreme weather events represent a dramatic escalation in Hong Kong's rainfall patterns.
The Observatory has now issued four Black Rainstorm Warnings since July 29, surpassing the previous annual record of three set in both 2000 and 2006.
The alerts came in rapid succession on July 29, August 2, August 4 (evening), and August 5 (early morning), creating what meteorologists are calling an unprecedented weather pattern for the region.
Between the Black Rain alerts, the city has been under constant threat from lower-tier warnings.
The Observatory has sounded eight Red Rainstorm Warnings and thirteen Amber Rainstorm Warnings during the same eight-day period.
August 4 proved particularly severe, with the city experiencing two red warnings and four amber warnings within a single 24-hour period.
Why so many black warnings? Meteorologists explain
The Black Rainstorm Warning represents the most severe level of Hong Kong's three-tier rainfall alert system, triggered when widespread rainfall exceeds 70 mm per hour with continued downpours expected.
However, meteorologists note that the observatory can issue the top warning even when rainfall falls slightly below this threshold if prolonged heavy rain creates dangerous conditions.
(File photo)
(File photo)
(File photo)
City under water: transport chaos and flooded streets
The continuous deluges have caused significant disruption across Hong Kong.
Emergency services have responded to numerous flooding incidents, particularly in low-lying areas, while schools and businesses have faced repeated closures.
The Transport Department reported widespread delays across MTR lines and bus routes, with several major roads rendered impassable at the height of the storms.
