Almost 10,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in 14 hours, as storm dampens Hong Kong’s May Day break
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong saw 9,437 cloud-to-ground lightening strikes across a 14-hour period beginning at 9pm on Tuesday, as severe storms lashed the territory, according to the Observatory.
The Observatory said that heavy showers and squally thunderstorms will continue during Wednesday’s May Day holiday: “Showers will be heavy at times. Moderate east to northeasterly winds, gusty at times.”
The thunderstorm warning was first hoisted at 7.17pm on Tuesday and remained in force on Wednesday morning alongside an amber rainstorm warning.
Delays continued at Hong Kong’s international airport, with several planes diverted on Tuesday evening.
The wet weather comes as China’s Golden Week holiday period kicked off, with the city expecting an influx of tourists.
Hong Kong’s first regular drone and pyrotechnics show is still due to take place on May Day evening, as part of a tourism drive.
Meanwhile, dragon boat races on Lamma Island continued during Wednesday’s Tin Hau Festival, despite the conditions.
Occasional thunderstorms will continue on Thursday, with hotter, brighter weather predicted for early next week, the Observatory said.
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