The rainy season in Hong Kong is normally between April and September. Rain can be particularly heavy and persistent during May and June, causing traffic disruption and occasionally major floods and landslips.

The rainstorm warning system is designed to alert the public about the occurrence of heavy rain which is likely to bring about major disruptions, and to ensure a state of readiness within the essential services to deal with emergencies.

There are three levels of warning: AMBER, RED and BLACK.

• The AMBER signal gives alert about potential heavy rain that may develop into RED or BLACK signal situations. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. Key government departments and major transport and utility operators are put on alert.
  
  
• The RED and BLACK signals warn of heavy rain which is likely to bring about serious road flooding and traffic congestion. They will trigger response actions by government departments and major transport and utility operators.
  
  

Latest tropical cyclone/rainstorm warnings and related announcements are broadcast on radio and TV and posted on the Hong Kong Observatory website (www.hko.gov.hk). MyObservatory mobile app and Dial-a-Weather system (Hong Kong Tel: 1878200).

In the case where a Super Typhoon or other natural disasters caused by adverse weather, such as large-scale power outage, extensive fallen windows from high-rises leading to dangerous streetscape, major landslides, extensive flooding, widespread serious obstruction of public transport services, etc the Government will review and decide whether it is necessary to make a territory-wide “extreme conditions” announcement.
 
Extreme weather may cause immediate risk, we recognise a duty of care in coordinating an appropriate level of response, initiating pre-planned actions and reducing potential impact.

Regular communications will be issued to facilitate necessary actions in the days prior and during any occurrence via the fair website, social media, onsite briefings and venue announcements.