The Hong Kong Observatory issued a red rainstorm warning as heavy rain is expected to persists, causing serious flooding.
The warning came after a day of gloomy weather, wherein high waves and strong winds had led to the sinking of a ferry and caused a waterspout near the Ting Kau Bridge. Localized flooding was also reported in parts of Yuen Long and Tai Po, causing some people to be stranded at work or home.
Heavy rain in the New Territories was particularly affecting the Sheung Shui, Pat Heung, and Kam Tin areas. Tai Po, Tuen Mun, also Shek Kong also sees large amounts of rainfall. According to the South China Morning Post, Shek Kong had been affected the worst - between 300 and 400 mm of rain falling in the area.
"Heavy rain will bring flash floods...people should stay away from watercourses. Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions," the Observatory said.
On Wednesday, a ferry with 13 passengers and two crew members traveling from Cheung Chau to Shek Kwu Chau sank when it took on water. The incident occurred soon before 3 pm, high waves and strong current blamed for the incident.
Thunderstorms and squally showers are forecast for Thursday. Although Friday will have wet weather, sunny days are expected over the weekend and early next week.
There are four consecutive days of rainstorm warnings of amber and above this week, which was not seen since September 2002. From Sunday until Wednesday, seven rainstorm warnings have been issued by the Observatory - including two reds and five ambers.
There are also online posts reported sightings of a waterspout on earlier Wednesday near the bridge connecting the northwest of Tsing Yi and Tuen Mun Road in the New Territories. The online videos circulating on the internet showed large funnel clouds near the bridge moving towards the shore.
In the video of Hong Kong Government Lifeguards General Union posted on Facebook, the waterspout can be seen approaching nearby Lido Beach on Castle Peak Road, and an empty canoe on land being blown around.
A waterspout is a fast-rotating air column above water that extends down from the base of clouds. This phenomenon is commonly seen during the rainy season between May and September. Waterspouts could be dangerous for ships and small boat, according to Ho Chun-kit, the Observatory's scientific officer. He said that there are about 39 sightings of waterspouts since 1959.
