Trees tumble, waterspout forms as storms buffet HK
Trees came down in several parts of the city, some rail services were disrupted and the observatory reported a waterspout on Sunday, as strong winds and thunderstorms battered Hong Kong. The Peak Tram stopped running after a tree came down on Barker Road, while another fell on Wylie Road in Ho Ma Tin, temporarily blocking traffic.  There was disruption to East Rail Line services for around an hour in the afternoon, with emergency maintenance work taking place at University Station after the wind apparently ripped away part of the canopy above one of the platforms.  Officials said some high-speed train services between Hong Kong and the mainland would be delayed due to the bad weather conditions.  Meanwhile, speed limits on the bridge to Macau and Zhuhai were reduced due to the high winds, the Transport Department said. The Amber Rainstorm Warning was issued at 10am and while it was cancelled at 1.45pm, a thunderstorm warning remained in place.   The observatory said intense gusts reaching 80 kilometres per hour or above could continue to affect the territory, as it also warned of possible flooding from rivers.  At around 9.30 in the morning, a waterspout was spotted in Clear Water Bay, the observatory said. It added that more thundery showers are forecast throughout the rest of the week.  Meanwhile, authorities in Guangdong warned of the risk of floods from rivers, waterways and reservoirs after days of torrential rain.  Officials in localities and municipalities across the province were told to begin emergency planning to avert any disasters. _____________________________
Last updated: 2024-04-21 HKT 17:50 