Narrow escape for Hong Kong platform worker left swinging in strong wind

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The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm alert on Saturday afternoon and warned hail, squally thunderstorms and violent gusts could affect the city.

It issued the amber warning at 3pm. The alert signals that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.

“An area of intense thundery showers to the west of the Pearl River [Delta] is gradually edging closer to Hong Kong,” the forecaster said.

“Locally, showers will be heavier at first, with severe squally thunderstorms in the next couple of hours. Members of the public should be on the alert.”

It also called on residents to seek safe shelter “immediately” as violent gusts could affect the city.