Hong Kong rainstorm warning signals

The rainstorm warning signals (zh-t|t=暴雨警告訊號) are a set of signals used in Hong Kong to alert the public about the occurrence of heavy rain which is likely to bring about major disruptions such as traffic congestion and floods. They also ensure a state of readiness within the essential services to deal with emergencies.

Hong Kong Observatory is responsible for launching these signals and the signals are broadcast over radio and television.

The three-level system

AMBER rainstorm signal

This signal means:
"Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue."

The AMBER signal gives alert about potential heavy rain that may develop into RED or BLACK signal situations. There will be flooding in some low-lying areas and poorly drained areas.

RED rainstorm signal

This signal means:
"Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 50 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue."

The RED signal gives alert about potential heavy rain that may develop into BLACK signal situations. All students are to remain at school unless there is a visible risk to staying in the building.

BLACK rainstorm signal

This signal means:
"Very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue."

When the BLACK signal is issued, Hong Kong will come to a complete standstill. Schools will not dismiss students unless there is a visible risk to staying at school, and everyone is recommended to seek shelter immediately. Buses and other forms of public transport may be halted after a while to allow commuters to go home, depending on demand and the level of risk along the route. MTR services will be limited or suspended because of the risk of flooding.

The RED and BLACK signals warn the public of heavy rain which is likely to bring about serious road flooding and traffic congestion. They will trigger response actions by Government departments and major transport and utility operators. The public will be given clear advice on the appropriate actions to take.

ee also

* Hong Kong Observatory
* Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals

External links

* [http://www.hko.gov.hk/wservice/warning/rainstor.htm Actions to be taken for rainstorm signals]