HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory issued a black rainstorm warning at 7:50 am on Thursday due to heavy rain associated with the tropical cyclone Podul and its intense outer rainbands.

The HKO replaced the black signal with a red alert at 11:10 am and lowered it to amber at 12:10 pm. 

Advising residents to seek shelter in safe locations due to severely flooded roads and adverse weather conditions, the forecaster warned that heavy rain might bring flash floods and asked people to stay away from watercourses.

ALSO READ: Black rainstorm warning as typhoon Podul departs Hong Kong

China Daily's Adam Lam and Robert Hope-Jones took the photos on Thursday.