Trees tumble, waterspout forms as storms buffet HK

Trees came down in several parts of the city and the observatory reported a waterspout on Sunday, as strong winds and thunderstorms battered Hong Kong. The Peak Tram stopped running after a tree came down on Barker Road, while another fell on Wylie Road in Ho Ma Tin, temporarily blocking traffic. Speed limits on the bridge to Macau and Zhuhai were reduced due to the high winds, the Transport Department said. The Amber Rainstorm Warning was issued at 10am and while it was cancelled at 1.45pm, a thunderstorm warning was extended until 5pm. The observatory said intense gusts reaching 80 kilometres per hour or above could continue to affect the territory, as it also warned of possible flooding from rivers. At around 9.30 in the morning, a waterspout was spotted in Clear Water Bay, the observatory said. It added that more thundery showers are forecast throughout the rest of the week. Meanwhile, authorities in Guangdong warned of the risk of floods from rivers, waterways and reservoirs after days of torrential rain. Officials in localities and municipalities across the province were told to begin emergency planning to avert any disasters.