UPDATE (4:45pm): All rainstorm signals lowered. Landslip warning remains in place.
5:00pm
“3M, roads between MW and Tung Chung, Wellcome and Fusion, Sun Ferry … all open.”
Our longest ever black rain signal has been up since last night with the highest hourly rainfall (158 mm between 11 pm and midnight) since records began in 1884.
Wind gusts up to 75km per hour.
And release in Shenzen reservoirs has led to even more flooding here. The announcement came from the motherland at 11:44 pm — an auspicious hour.
Hong Kong is closed. Again.
Stay safe everyone. #bekind
Water Discharged from Shenzhen Reservoir
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Hong Kong has been informed by the Shenzhen Authority that water would be discharged from the Shenzhen reservoir from about 0.00am tomorrow (September 8).
There may be a risk of flooding in some parts of the New Territories. Various government departments, including District Office (North), Drainage Services, Police, Fire Services, Water Supplies and Social Welfare have been informed in order that they can take any necessary measures.
The District Office (North) is making arrangements to inform local residents of the appropriate actions to take.
Issued: Thursday 7 September 2023 at HKT 23:44
Extreme conditions will continue at least until 6pm
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Affected by torrential rain brought by the trough of low pressure associated with the remnants of Typhoon Haikui, extensive flooding has occurred in Hong Kong, causing severely disrupted public transportation and an extremely high risk of landslides. The Government announced today (September 8) that the extreme conditions will continue at least until 6pm.
A Government spokesman called on members of the public again to stay indoors during the severe weather to ensure their own safety and to stay away from low-lying areas. Employers are reminded that all employees other than essential staff should not be required to report for duty at workplaces.
“The work arrangement in times of extreme conditions is the same as that of a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8. Apart from essential staff who have an agreement with their employers to be on duty at workplaces when the extreme conditions exist, employees are advised to stay where they currently are or at safe places, instead of heading for work. The Government will review the situation, while employers and employees should stay alert to further government announcements.”
The Government will keep monitoring closely the latest situation of the weather, roads and public transport services, and announce the upcoming arrangements at 3pm today. Members of the public should pay attention to the latest information.
Issued at HKT 12:40 Friday 8 September 2023
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//Hong Kong Observatory issued black rainstorm warning at 11.05pm.
The Observatory Headquarters has recorded an hourly rainfall of 158.1 mm between 11 pm and midnight, the highest since records began in 1884.
At 11.44 pm on Thursday., Hong Kong was informed by the Shenzhen Authority that water would be discharged from the Shenzhen reservoir from about midnight, with a possible risk of flooding in some parts of the New Territories.
Showers and thunderstorms expected over Guangdong coast in the next few days.//
Black Rain signal means:
Very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.
When the BLACK signal (黑色暴雨警告) is issued, Hong Kong will come to a complete standstill. Schools will not dismiss students unless there is a visible risk to staying at school, and everyone is recommended to seek shelter immediately. Buses and other forms of public transport may be halted after a while to allow commuters to go home, depending on demand and the level of risk along the route. MTR services will be limited or suspended because of the risk of flooding.
Temporary closure of LCSD facilities
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (September 8) that in view of the extreme conditions which will continue at least until noon, all facilities under LCSD management are temporarily closed until further notice.
Issued Friday 8 September 2023 at HKT 9:25
Public urged not to visit LCSD beaches during passage of rainstorm
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As the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department appealed to members of the public today (September 7) not to visit its gazetted beaches to avoid accidents.
Issued: Thursday 7 September 2023 at HKT 23:10
Hong Kong was hit by widespread flooding on Friday as record-breaking rain paralysed the city. The Observatory recorded the highest one-hour rainfall since records began in 1884. Full story: https://t.co/xgbtoreVGt pic.twitter.com/ag0wuo65Rc
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) September 8, 2023
Hong Kong shuts down the city after heaviest rainfall since 1884
-Stock market to suspend all-day trading if the warning remains in place at noon
-Schools won’t open, bus operators halt services
-Observatory says it recorded 158 mm of rain in just an hour https://t.co/fUHbhJ9X19— Bloomberg (@business) September 8, 2023
Wan Chai, Hong Kong tonight! 🌊#ClimateCrisis pic.twitter.com/CDVGZePQOU
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 7, 2023
Hong Kong today…..🌊#ClimateCrisis pic.twitter.com/KpFLjExnGC
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 7, 2023
We have black rain and major flooding in Hong Kong right now. pic.twitter.com/b5Xg9AqKve
— Eric Yeung 👍🚀🌕 (@KingKong9888) September 7, 2023
Moments ago at a local temple in Stanley, Hong Kong. #HongKong pic.twitter.com/5LEWwUJhps
— Anchor Manish Kumar (@manishA20058305) September 8, 2023
Hong Kong was hit by widespread flooding on Friday as record-breaking rain paralysed the city. The Observatory recorded the highest one-hour rainfall since records began in 1884. Full story: https://t.co/xgbtoreVGt pic.twitter.com/ag0wuo65Rc
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) September 8, 2023
Catastrophic flooding unfolding in Chai Wan, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
158.1mm of rain fell in just one hour. This breaks the heaviest one hour rainfall record. Records date back to 1884.
🎥 via @yangyubin1998pic.twitter.com/Pu1b7suJCF
— Scott Duncan (@ScottDuncanWX) September 7, 2023
JUST IN: Hong Kong just recorded its heaviest hourly rainfall on record with 158.1 mm [6.2 inches] between 11 PM and midnight (HKT). Records date back to 1884 (139 years ago). A rare “Black Rainstorm Warning Signal” has been issued by the HKO observatory. pic.twitter.com/KWtyWbqUmd
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 7, 2023
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange suspended trading of stocks and derivatives, including the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Connect, today due to the severe rainfall caused by Typhoon Haikui. pic.twitter.com/paGG3dAGbc
— Yicai 第一财经 (@yicaichina) September 8, 2023
Sudden deluge hits Hong Kong. The local met department recorded an hourly precipitation rate of 158.1 mm, marking the highest hourly rainfall level documented since 1884#hongkong #rainfall #floods pic.twitter.com/7yuv0Nep5L
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) September 8, 2023
Drainage workers assist a driver stranded due to flooding to a safe place during heavy rain in Hong Kong on September 8. Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters pic.twitter.com/ktv2694d4b
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) September 8, 2023
Record-breaking rainfall in Hong Kong caused widespread flash flooding across the financial hub on Friday, with many businesses and schools forced to shut, just days after the city was battered by a typhoon. https://t.co/yClfqm5I74
— CNN International (@cnni) September 8, 2023
(English briefing unavailable.)
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News
Local news
Schools suspended, firms urged to adopt T8 protocols
Floods paralyse public transport
Black rainstorm triggers widespread flooding in HK
In Pictures: Hong Kong hit by widespread flooding as record-breaking rains paralyse city
Hong Kong warns of water discharge from Shenzhen Reservoir, risk of flooding in the New Territories
(Video) HK hit with record-breaking rainfall in 139 years, traffic halts as roads turn into rivers
Storm signal may be issued as Saola edges closer: HKO
China issues highest warning for Typhoon Saola as it nears coastline
Hong Kong to Shut Down City Before Super Typhoon Saola Hits
Super typhoon heads towards Hong Kong, China issues highest warning
Get the latest updates on the HK Observatory website or download the My Observatory app.
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Ferry Services
Visit the Sun Ferry website or download the mobile app.
Bus Services
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New Lantau Bus – read more
Visit the New Lantau Bus website or download the mobile app Android / iPhone.
Observatory
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Visit the HK Observatory website or download the My Observatory app.
Local wind gusts
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Special Weather Tips
Black Rainstorm Warning
Black Rainstorm Warning Signal Special Announcement issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 11:05 p.m.
The Rainstorm Warning Signal is now Black. This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.
Because of seriously flooded roads and inclement weather conditions, you are advised to take shelter in a safe place and stay there. Parents, students, school authorities and school-bus drivers should listen to radio or television announcements on schools. Do not attempt to travel until the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is no longer in force and traffic conditions have improved.
Heavy rain will bring flash floods, and flooding is occurring or is expected to occur in watercourses. People should stay away from watercourses. Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions and should consider evacuation if their homes may become flooded.
Please listen to radio or watch television for traffic conditions and further announcements on the rainstorm.
Dispatched by Hong Kong Observatory at 23:05 HKT on 07.09.2023
Landslip Warning
GEO reminds public to stay vigilant against landslides
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The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department today (September 8) reminded the public to remain vigilant to the risk of landslides as Hong Kong is being affected by the torrential rain brought by the trough of low pressure associated with the remnant of Haikui.
Since operation from 00.44am today, the GEO Emergency Control Centre has received seven landslide reports as at 8am. Six of the landslides were on Hong Kong Island and one was in the New Territories. Geotechnical engineers have been deployed to inspect the landslide sites and offer advice to various government departments and emergency service personnel to help ensure public safety.
The GEO reminded members of the public to stay away from slopes when the landslip warning is in force or under heavy rain. Motorists should avoid driving in hilly areas or parking vehicles in front of slopes. Residents living close to slopes should stay in rooms furthest away from slopes or on high floors if possible. When a notification to evacuate is received, members of the public should follow rescuers’ instructions and move immediately to a safe shelter. If they witness a landslide, they should leave immediately and call the Police under safe conditions.
Issued: Friday 8 September 2023 at HKT 11:08
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Local tips
Get local updates at Mui Wo To Tai O Families
1. Clear your drains – roof, balcony, ground floor. Keep checking them (when safe) throughout the storm. Clogged drains can cause flooding.
2. In the very unlikely event that we lose power, do know where your torches are and any other relevant supplies.
3. If possible, get electronics off the floor, if you have flooding (from a broken window, or from the roof) it can happen very fast.
4. Keep phones and back up batteries charged.
5. Keep emergency numbers handy.
6 Always have a stock of prepared food on hand in case the power goes out.
7. Prepare pet carriers and anything else your pets may need if they are scared or you have to leave your home.
9. On the rare occasion that water supplies go off from downed trees damaging pipes, fill a bathtub with water for flushing and washing and a big pot or two in the kitchen for cooking, and drinking.
10. Move cars away from low areas near water. Also if possible try not to park under trees whose root systems can become unstable in waterlogged soil.
Emergency
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Emergency Numbers
CLP Hotline (24 hours) +852 2728-8333 if you lose power
Water Supplies Department Hotline (24 hours) +852 2824-5000 press ‘0’ to speak to an operator
Drainage Services Department Hotline (24 hours) +852 2300-1110 for street flooding.
Send your tips and ideas for updates to this post.
Posted: 30 August 2023