Hong Kong Orientation Guide

Rainstorm Warning System

When itrains,itpoursinHongKong.Itrainssohardsometimes thatyour umbrellabecomesa mere prop in the deluge. Your shoes are in for a beating: many people keep one special pair for those really rainy days.It’s just not worth ruining your good shoes—and you will, if you wear themoutonareally rainyday. Rain signals are not to be taken lightly; “Amber” “Red” and “Black” rainstorm signals are raised notnecessarily inorder.Allthosetravellingshouldbeawareofthesignals,andthepossibilitythat thesignalmaychangeduringthecourseofthedownfall.

Amber

Amber signal is issuedwhen heavy rain is expected,exceeding 30millimeters an hour. Floodingmightoccurinpoorlydrainedareas.Membersofthepublicare advised to pay attention, the weather signal may be changed to Red or Black signals, during thedownpour.

Red

Red signal is issued when heavy rain is expected, exceeding 50 millimeters an hour. This can cause serious flooding. People who travel must seriously consider the weather and road conditions as well as the possibility of the signal changing.

Black

Blacksignal isissuedwhenheavyrain isexpected,exceeding70millimetersan hour.This can cause flooding and flash floods. People should take shelter. Schools andpublictransportwillshutdownuntilthedangerhaspassed.

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