HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s forecaster has warned that heavy downpours with thunders are expected to lash most parts of the city as it issued a red rainstorm signal on Tuesday afternoon.

Hong Kong Observatory upgraded the rain warning signal to a red alert at 2:50 pm after setting out a lower level alert earlier in the morning, saying that deluges of more than 50 millimeters per hour will be seen across the territory.

It also issued a thunderstorm warning around 7 am, prompting a daily flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai to be canceled.

Hong Kong will experience showers in the next few days as a low-pressure trough continues to affect the coast of Guangdong province, according to the HKO

The observatory said as of 12:25 pm, most portions of New Territories have received more than 70 mm of rain, with the southern part of Lantau Island seeing downpours of over 170 mm.

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It added that the rainstorm signal may be upgraded depending on the weather conditions in the coming hours.

The HKO also warned of flooding risk in low-lying and poorly drained areas, reminding residents to stay away from watercourses. 

The Home Affairs Department said its Emergency Co-ordination Centre has been in operation, and will open temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation.

The Labour Department reminded employers and contractors to adopt necessary work arrangements for their employees, and advised those who work outdoors or in exposed areas to halt outdoor duties as soon as possible.

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Hong Kong will experience showers in the next few days as a low-pressure trough continues to affect the coast of Guangdong province, according to the HKO.

The weather will brighten during the weekend, though there will still be occasional showers.