HKO issues Amber Rainstorm Warning as tropical storm Ewiniar moves inland, and winds and rain weaken
Stay dry and safe while tropical storm Ewiniar is still with us, everyone!
HKO says it will consider lowering the warning to a No.1 signal when winds and rain in Hong Kong have weakened.[UPDATED: Friday, June 8 2018 - 12:37pm]
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) lowered the weather warning from Red Rainstorm Warning to Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal at 12:30 p.m.
Heavy rain, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, has fallen in parts of Hong Kong and is expected to continue.
There will be some flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to stay safe.
[UPDATED: Friday, June 8 2018 - 12:07pm]
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has issued the Red Rainstorm Warning, as tropical storm Ewiniar causes heavy rain, flooding and travel disruption to many parts of Hong Kong.
The Red Rainstorm Warning was issued at 11.30am today, as rain exceeding 50 millimeters per hour has fallen in parts of Hong Kong and is expected to continue.
Typhoon signal No. 3 has remained in effect at the time of the Observatory's noon update, and HKO says it will consider lowering the warning to a No.1 signal when winds and rain in Hong Kong have weakened.
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The Education Bureau announced that PM school classes will be suspended because of the Red Rainstorm Warning. Lessons at whole-day schools will continue as normal until the end of normal school hours, and schools must ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.
Kindergarten classes and schools for students with disabilities are also suspended for a second day, but school premises will remain open the look after students who need to stay at school for safety reasons. Classes for primary and secondary school students will continue as normal.
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There has been several reports of flooding and fallen trees across Hong Kong, and heavy rains are making roads slippery and more dangerous. Commuters are being urged to plan their journeys in advance, and allow for more time in case of congestion on the roads.
The storm has already made landfall on the western coast of Guangdong. As of 11am, the storm was centred about 210 kilometers west-northwest of Hong Kong, with maximum wind speeds of around 65 kilometres per hour. The Observatory expects the storm to weaken gradually as it moves inland.
[UPDATED: Thursday, June 7 2018 - 1.10pm]
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has issued the Strong Wind Signal Number Three at 12.40pm.
The Observatory expects winds of around 41 to 62 kilometres per hours to affect Hong Kong, and says the chance of issuing a higher typhoon signal No 8 today is low, but the storm’s rainbands will continue to bring heavy rain to the city.
As of 12pm, Tropical Storm Ewiniar was still 330 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong, but its maximum wind speeds has intensified to 75 kilometres per hour. It is forecast to move slowly towards the western coast of Guangdong.
[Thursday, June 7 2018 - 11.22am]
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) is considering issuing the Strong Wind Signal Number 3 before 2pm today, as tropical storm Ewiniar brings strong winds and heavy rains to the city.
The Education Bureau also announced that all kindergartens and schools for students with disabilities would be suspended for the day, while school premises will remain open to look after any students that have already arrived.
According to the HKO, local winds are expected to strengthen during the day, with gusts of around 70 kilometres per hour currently affecting the city.
Flooding and heavy rains associated with the storm were also reported in many parts of Hong Kong on Thursday morning. An exit of Diamond Hill MTR station had to be closed this morning as water from a nearby construction site flooded parts of the station.
The HKO also issued a Special Announcement on Flooding in the Northern New Territories, with heavy rain affecting Sheung Shui and Ta Kwu Ling this morning.
The Observatory said that more than 100 millimeters of rainfall have been recorded in the past few hours. Residents are advised to take precautions against flooding and stay away from water courses. They should also pay attention to flood sirens if they live in an area where they are installed.
As of 11am, the storm was centred about 330 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong, with top wind speeds of around 65 kilometres per hour. It is expected to move towards the coast of western Guangdong today.