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Hong Kong The most rainfall in an hour since records began 140 years ago resulted in flash floods that turned streets into raging rivers that seemed more suited to whitewater rafting than city life.
Hong Kong weather authorities issued a black alert at 11:05 p.m. Thursday, warning that more than 70 millimeters (2.75 inches) of rain was expected to fall in an hour.
More than double that amount fell – the Hong Kong Observatory said 158.1 mm (6.2 inches) of rain fell at its headquarters between 11 p.m. and midnight, according to the South China Morning Post.
JUST IN: Hong Kong just recorded its heaviest hourly rainfall on record at 158.1 mm [6.2 inches] between 11:00 p.m. and midnight (HKT). Records go back to 1884 (139 years ago). The HKO Observatory has issued a rare “black rain warning signal”. pic.twitter.com/KWtyWbqUmd
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 7, 2023
Elsewhere in Hong Kong – Kowloon, the northeastern New Territories and Hong Kong Island – more than 200 mm (7.87 inches) of rainfall was recorded between 6 p.m. and midnight, the newspaper reported.
Photos and videos shared on social media showed flooded streets and subway stations.
The city government will announce on Friday morning whether it is safe to use streets and public transport and whether offices and schools will be allowed to open.
Heavy rains were also reported in southern China, including in Shenzhen, which was reportedly preparing to release water from its reservoirs, potentially worsening flooding in parts of northern Hong Kong.
The region was hit by two typhoons within two weeks, with Saola and Haikui causing devastating damage in southern China and Taiwan.