Hong Kong suspends classes as red rainstorm warning issued

Hong Kong suspended classes on Thursday morning after the city’s weather forecaster issued a red rainstorm warning, which was lowered to amber in less than two hours.

The red warning was raised at 7.40am. It was then replaced by the amber signal at 9.25am that was cancelled at 10.20am.

The Education Bureau said students attending morning and whole-day schools were not required to go to class while the red warning was in force.

Schools should nevertheless keep their premises open to care for students who have already arrived, the bureau added.

Authorities said that afternoon classes would proceed as usual if the warning was downgraded to amber or cancelled at or before 10.30am.

02:14

Hong Kong Observatory’s warning system for heavy rain and what you should do to stay safe

The Hong Kong Observatory warned that further rainfall could cause, or might have already caused, serious road flooding and traffic congestion, and urged residents to take necessary precautions.