Hong Kong issues amber rainstorm warning

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued an amber rainstorm warning, with the signal expected to remain in place until 10pm on Sunday.

The weather forecaster issued the warning at 8.20pm.

“A few squally thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong,” a spokesman for the Observatory said.

Showers would be heavy at times in the evening.

The forecaster also warned that intense gusts reaching 70km/h (43mph) could affect the city.

It said there would be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas, as well as possible flash floods from heavy rain.

The amber rainstorm signal signifies that heavy rain exceeding 30mm (one inch) in an hour has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong.

The Observatory said the weather on Monday would be cloudy with occasional showers.

“A cold front is moving across the coast of Guangdong gradually and bringing showers and squally thunderstorms to the region,” the spokesman said.