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

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.