This screengrab taken from the official website of the Hong Kong Observatory shows the amount of rainfall measured across Hong Kong between 10:15 am and 11:15 am on June 8, 2022.

HONG KONG – Hong Kong suspended classes of all PM schools on Wednesday as heavy rains prompted the observatory to once issued the red rainstorm warning signal, the second level of the three-tier warning system.

Heavy downpours have been battering the city since early morning. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning at 9:45 am before upgrading it to red at 10:45 am. It also issued at 8:20 am the thunderstorm warning, which remained in force until 5:30 pm. 

Under the influence of the southwest monsoon, there will still be showers over Guangdong during the weekend.

Hong Kong Observatory

The observatory canceled all rainstrom signals at 5:15 pm. 

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The Fire Services Department said it is conducting a search-and-rescue operation after a landslide occurred at Pak Tam Au on Pak Tam Road in Sai Kung at 12:35 pm. It called on members of the public to avoid the area.

According to the forecaster, a trough of low pressure will linger over the coast of Guangdong in the next couple of days, bringing heavy showers and squally thunderstorms to the region. 

“Under the influence of the southwest monsoon, there will still be showers over Guangdong during the weekend.”

READ MORE: Amber rainstorm warning as downpour continues in HK

It also warned that further heavy rain could cause serious road flooding and traffic congestion, calling on parents, students, school authorities and school-bus drivers to stay tuned to radio or television announcements.

In a statement, the Education Bureau said all PM classes will be canceled due to the red rainstorm, while all AM and whole-day schools which are in session should continue until the end of school hours.

Primary One pupils' registration dates with the primary school allocated through Central Allocation will be postponed from June 8 and 9 to June 9 and 10, respectively, according to the bureau. 

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the Home Affairs Department said temporary shelters are now open for people in need of temporary accommodation.

The Labour Department, meanwhile, called on employers to make prior work arrangements for staff during and after rainstorms to ensure their safety.

A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said that outdoor mobile COVID-19 specimen collection stations will remain closed for the day. Members of the public can visit community testing centers or indoor mobile specimen collection stations for COVID-19 testing.

Red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach in Southern district and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung district and beachgoers are advised against swimming there, according to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.