Hong Kong Observatory cancels amber rainstorm warning after 3 hours

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial.

Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has cancelled the amber rainstorm signal three hours after issuing it, following warnings that flash floods could hit some low-lying and poorly drained areas.

The Hong Kong Observatory raised the warning at 7.30am on Tuesday, which means heavy rain exceeding 30 millimetres has fallen or is expected to fall across the city. It was cancelled at 10.30am.

“Heavy rain may bring about flash floods. People should stay away from watercourses. People who are likely to be affected by flooding should take necessary precautions to avoid losses,” it said after issuing the signal

The forecaster said that intense gusts reaching 70km/h (43mph) might continue to hit the city.

Showers and thunderstorms associated with the active southwesterly airstream would continue to affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Tuesday, it added.