Tropical Storm Podul signals a reduction in heavy rainfall intensity in Hong Kong, lowering the alert level to amber.
Hong Kong Braces for Severe Rainstorm as Tropical Storm Podul Weakens
Hong Kong faced a severe rainstorm on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as Tropical Cyclone Podul weakened gradually. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) issued a black rainstorm warning, the highest-level warning, at 7:50 am, indicating that rainfall exceeded 70 millimeters in an hour citywide.
The rainstorm was exceptionally severe, particularly in the Central and Western District, where notable flooding occurred on Water Street in Sai Ying Pun and near the University of Hong Kong. The HKO also issued a landslip warning for the Southern District due to the heavy rain, urging people to stay away from slopes.
The impact on the city was significant. Five flights were cancelled, and 145 flights were delayed at Hong Kong International Airport, with apron operations temporarily suspended due to an airport lighting warning. All classes were cancelled for the day by the Education Bureau, and court and tribunal hearings were suspended by the Judiciary during the warning period.
The black rainstorm warning was downgraded to a red signal at 11:10 am and then to amber at 12:20 pm on the same day. However, flooding risks persisted in some areas. The No 1 typhoon warning signal, which had been in effect, was cancelled at 12:20 pm.
This was the fifth black rainstorm warning issued since late July 2025, reflecting a period of frequent severe weather in Hong Kong. The previous red rainstorm warning signal was replaced with an amber one at 12.10 pm. The amber rainstorm warning signal was cancelled at 3:55 pm.
Tropical Storm Podul, which had been weakening, was moving towards the central part of mainland China. The HKO expects hourly rainfall to exceed or has exceeded 100mm. The severe rainstorms may cause serious flooding in certain areas.
This is the fourth black rainstorm warning in August. The Observatory issued the black rainstorm warning signal at 11:10 am, replacing the red signal, and then replaced it with a red one at 11:10 am. Tropical Storm Podul had replaced a No 1 typhoon warning signal that was in effect, which was cancelled at 12:20 pm.
The city faced several areas of flooding due to the rainstorm, including Chek Lap Kok in the Islands district, Kwai Tsing, and Tuen Mun districts. The severe rainstorms have been a common occurrence this year, with this being the fifth black rainstorm warning of the year.
Weather-forecasting by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) predicted heavy rain and ultimately led to the issuance of a black rainstorm warning on August 14, 2025. The severe weather, including flooding, caused disruptions in flights, school classes, and court hearings, illustrating the impact of accurate weather-forecasting in Hong Kong.
As Tropical Storm Podul weakened, the HKO anticipated hourly rainfall to exceed 100mm, which may result in serious flooding in certain areas, highlighting the importance of effective weather-forecasting and preparedness.
