Floods, fallen trees and landslides were reported in different parts of Hong Kong on Tuesday morning after Tropical Storm Merbok lashed the city overnight and heavy rain continued in its wake.
The downpour persisted into the morning, forcing the closure of kindergartens, special schools and afternoon classes.
At 8:45am, the observatory issued a Red Rainstorm warning signal, which refers to a rainfall of over 50 millimeters per hour in some areas. Thunderstorm and landslide warnings were also issued.
Many morning commuters were stuck in traffic congestion due to flooding on roads, including Pok Fu Lam on Hong Kong Island West, Po Lam Road in the New Territories, and Princess Margaret Road in Kowloon. A landslide blocked Tai Tam Road, obstructing the link between Stanley and Chai Wan on Hong Kong Island.
Four of Cathay Pacific’s Tuesday flights were cancelled and 14 flights were delayed. Hundreds of other flights have been affected by the tropical storm.
The Hong Kong Observatory cancelled all typhoon signals at 11:10am. At 11:50am, the rainstorm warning signal was lowered to Amber, which refers to a rainfall of over 30 millimeters per hour. At 12:30pm, the Amber signal was cancelled.
The Observatory had raised a typhoon No. 8 signal at 5:20pm on Monday and lowered it to No. 3 signal at 4:40am on Tuesday. Merbok arrived on the eastern side of Mirs Bay on Monday late evening and moved towards the northeast part of Guangdong province.