Hong Kong faces hail threat as amber rainstorm warning issued

Observatory also warns of violent gusts as it urges public to seek shelter immediately

The Hong Kong Observatory has warned that hail may affect the city shortly, after issuing the amber rainstorm signal on Sunday afternoon.

The amber signal was raised at 2.20pm, indicating heavy rain exceeding 30mm (1.2 inches) per hour had fallen or was expected to persist across the city.

“Hong Kong is expected to be affected by hail in the short term,” the Observatory said at around 3pm.

Under the influence of the northeast monsoon and localised upper-air disturbances, the weather was expected to remain slightly cooler over Guangdong province for the next couple of days, it said.

“Upper-air disturbances will bring showers to the region. With the upper-air disturbances departing, showers will ease off over the coast of southern China midweek this week,” the Observatory said.