Hong Kong faced unprecedented rainfall on Tuesday, with over 350mm (13.8 inches) recorded by 2 p.m., marking the highest daily rainfall for August since 1884, according to the city’s weather authorities.
The downpour triggered widespread disruptions, closing schools, courts, and hospital clinics across the financial hub.
Videos captured torrents of water rushing down the city’s iconic hillside staircases, transforming them into whitewater streams.
The Hong Kong Observatory extended its highest “black” rainstorm warning until 5 p.m., the fourth such alert in eight days, a record for the most frequent issuance in a single year, per China’s Xinhua news agency.
Ankle-high water inundated areas outside Hong Kong’s largest hospital, forcing medical authorities to shutter clinics citywide.
The weather service warned of severe road flooding and traffic congestion, with cars reported submerged in low-lying areas.
Airports in the region, including Hong Kong, reported 20% flight cancellations, while speed limits on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were reduced due to poor visibility, according to Flightmaster data.
Despite the chaos, Hong Kong’s airport maintained operations, though delays were reported, and passengers were advised to confirm flight times.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange continued trading, unaffected by a policy change last year to remain open during severe weather, though courts and tribunals closed until at least two hours after the rainstorm warning was lifted.
The deluge follows deadly flash floods in Guangdong province over the weekend, where five fatalities were reported, and over 1,300 rescuers were deployed.
Four rivers in Guangdong neared bursting levels, as reported by CCTV, highlighting the broader regional impact of extreme weather linked to climate change.
Hong Kong, part of President Xi Jinping’s Greater Bay Area initiative, typically receives 2,200mm of rainfall annually, with over half falling between June and August.
Meteorologists attribute the intensified rainfall to climate change, posing economic and safety challenges across southern China.
Eric Chan, Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, urged residents to stay vigilant and encouraged employers to adopt flexible work arrangements to ensure safety.
Despite the disruptions, Hong Kong Disneyland remained open, offering a glimmer of resilience amid the storm.