Hong Kong lowers rainstorm alert, afternoon classes to continue
Hong Kong's weather authority reduced its rainstorm warning from red to amber on Thursday morning as rain eased. Morning and whole-day schools were suspended, but afternoon classes will go ahead. A landslide advisory was issued for Po Toi Island due to heavy rain.
The downgrade to amber came at 9:20am after the red signal had been in effect since 5:05am, marking a roughly four-hour period of heightened alert. The three-tier warning system places red as the middle level, with amber below it and black above. A separate Special Landslip Advisory remained active for Po Toi Island, where saturated ground posed a risk. The Education Bureau's decision to resume afternoon classes reflects the easing conditions, while the Home Affairs Department's temporary shelters remained available for residents displaced by the weather. Forecasters also cautioned that flooding near watercourses could persist despite the reduced alert level.
The downgrade could ease disruption for families and commuters, allowing afternoon schedules to resume while morning closures already affected workplaces and schools. Residents near rivers and on Po Toi Island may still face hazards from lingering flood and landslide risks. The staggered reopening may create logistical challenges for parents arranging childcare, though the system's tiered response helps balance safety with minimal economic disruption. Prolonged heavy rain events could strain infrastructure and emergency services, particularly in landslide-prone areas.