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Jun 18, 20261
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Hong Kong Braces for Severe Rainstorm: Black Rainstorm Warning Issued, Multiple Services Suspended

Hong Kong issued a black rainstorm warning on June 18, 2026, causing widespread disruption including the temporary closure of Man Kam To border crossing, MTR station entrances, cancellation of exams and beach activities, and suspension of many public services. The government opened shelters and coordinated contingency measures as the storm gradually subsided by evening.





Quick Facts
Who
Hong Kong Observatory
What
Issued black rainstorm warning
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Hong Kong
- Issued black rainstorm warning
- Downgraded to red then yellow rainstorm warning
- Suspended passenger and cargo clearance at Man Kam To border crossing
- Temporarily closed MTR station entrances
- Cancelled GCE/IGCSE/IAL examinations
Hong Kong was hit by a severe rainstorm on June 18, 2026, prompting the Hong Kong Observatory to issue a black rainstorm warning signal at 12:55 p.m. The warning was later downgraded to red at 3:05 p.m. and then to yellow at 3:40 p.m. The intense thunderstorm, associated with an active southerly airstream, brought widespread flooding and disruption across the territory.
The heavy rain caused significant flooding at the Man Kam To border crossing, leading to a temporary suspension of all passenger and cargo clearance services from around 4:00 p.m. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, in coordination with Shenzhen authorities, announced that clearance services fully resumed at 8:00 p.m. In response, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department set up a temporary food control office at the Heung Yuen Wai border control point (Liantang Port) to handle fresh food vehicle clearance, and fresh food vehicles were also directed to use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
Public transport was also affected. The MTR Corporation temporarily closed several station entrances, including those at Sham Shui Po (Exit A2), Choi Hung (Exit A1), Wong Tai Sin (Exit B3), and Quarry Bay (Exit A), due to adverse weather. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority cancelled the evening GCE/IGCSE/IAL examinations scheduled for June 18. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department closed all gazetted beaches, warning that violators face fines and imprisonment. Hospital Authority night clinics and many other public services, including driving tests, court hearings, and kindergarten and elderly care centers, were suspended or adjusted. The Education Bureau announced that afternoon and evening classes were cancelled, though schools remained open to shelter students already on site.
The government activated emergency measures, opening temporary shelters and coordinating cross-border traffic. Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary. By evening, as the rain eased, services began to gradually resume, including driving test centers and court proceedings, with authorities urging the public to plan ahead for the following workdays.
Why This Matters
This storm disrupted the daily operations of a major global financial hub, causing border closures, transport halts, and cancellations of exams and public services. Readers should be aware that such extreme weather events can quickly escalate and affect cross-border travel, commuting, and scheduled activities, prompting the need for contingency plans and real-time updates from local authorities.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireHong Kong Observatory issues black rainstorm warning.
Jun 18, 2026
WireHospital Authority suspends family medicine and specialist outpatient clinics.
Jun 18, 2026
WireHong Kong Wetland Park closes; judiciary postpones all hearings scheduled after 12:55 p.m.
Jun 18, 2026
WireHome Affairs Department opens temporary shelters.
Jun 18, 2026
WireBlack rainstorm warning downgraded to red.
Jun 18, 2026
WireRed rainstorm warning downgraded to yellow.
Jun 18, 2026
WireMan Kam To border crossing suspends clearance services.
Jun 18, 2026
WireEducation Bureau announces evening class cancellation.
Jun 18, 2026
WireMTR temporarily closes several station entrances.
Jun 18, 2026
WireFood safety authority sets up temporary food control office at Heung Yuen Wai.
Jun 18, 2026
WireMan Kam To border crossing fully resumes clearance services.
Entities
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
- Social Welfare Department
- Leisure and Cultural Services Department
- Shenzhen authorities
- Sham Shui Po MTR station
- Choi Hung MTR station
- Quarry Bay MTR station
- Heung Yuen Wai border control point
- Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority
- Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
- Hong Kong Wetland Park
- Wong Tai Sin MTR station
- Transport Department
- Hong Kong Observatory
- Hospital Authority
- MTR Corporation
- Education Bureau
- Man Kam To border crossing