Hong Kong has been hit with record-breaking rainfall since 1884, causing widespread flooding across the city and disrupting road and rail traffic in the early hours of Friday. The Hong Kong Observatory reported hourly rainfall of 158.1 mm between 11 pm (Sept 7) and midnight, the highest in 139 years.
Due to severe road flooding and adverse weather, KMB announced it will suspend the daytime routes services on Friday until further notice. The MTR Corporation announced at 12.30 am on Friday that the Kwun Tong Line service was disrupted due to flooding in section near Wong Tai Sin Station. Trains between Whampoa Station and Kwun Tong Station are suspended, while trains between Kwun Tong Station and Tiu Keng Leng Station have to operate at 12-minute intervals.
The deluge began late Thursday night, with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) recording more than 158 millimeters in rain between 11 p.m. and midnight. The weather watchdog added that the trough of low pressure associated with the remnant of Haikui had brought torrential rain to the coast of Guangdong since last night. More than 70 mm of rainfall was recorded in most parts of the territory from 6 pm to midnight, while over 200 mm were recorded in Kowloon, the northeastern part of the New Territories and Hong Kong Island.
A Black Rainstorm Warning was issued at 11.05 pm Thursday. As of 1 am, the authorities received 12 confirmed cases of flooding. Online videos showed flood waters rushing into Wong Tai Sin station, while a train not stopping at the station as the platform was flooded. Some exits of Chai Wan Station and Sheung Shui Station also have to be temporarily closed due to flooding. Photos showed Chai Wan Road roundabout, Lung Cheung Road, Sha Tau Kok Road and Cross-Harbour Tunnel have been turned into rivers by the heavy rain
The government said it will closely monitor the latest situation of the weather, roads and public transport services and announce before 6.00 am whether it is necessary to suspend work and school classes. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he was very concerned about the severe flooding across the city and has instructed all departments to respond with all-out efforts
