Rain Warnings

Hong Kong has a series of rain warnings that are announced on the news. Depending on the age of your children, you will need to pay particular attention to these warnings.

An AMBER rainstorm advises that potential heavy rain may develop into a RED or BLACK signal situations. There may be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. Young children may not be required to attend school. Check with the Department of Education as to your school's particular policy. Key Government departments and major transport and utility operators will also be put on alert.

The RED signals warn the public of heavy rain, which could bring serious road flooding and traffic congestion. If a RED signal is issued before working hours, employees should go to work as usual although school children will normally stay home or, if already at school, should remain there until the end of school hours and conditions are safe for them to return home. Many schools have phone systems which advise you of their policies and in the event of a storm arising quickly, you may be contacted by the school and advised to pick up your children as soon as possible.

A black storm warning means that people should stay at home until further notice. Precautions should also be taken during these storms such as securing windows, bringing pot plants in, removing items from verandas and balconies and so on.

These signals are broadcast over radio and television and also tend to be displayed at the entrances to shopping centres, clubs, cinemas and so on.