Observatory launches "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain" service

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To enhance the provision of information on heavy rain to the public, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) launched the "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain" service today (July 28). By making reference to the operation of "Special Announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories", the issuance of the "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain" is based on the amount of recorded regional rainfall. For example, when rainfall of 70 millimetres or more is recorded in an hour in individual districts of Hong Kong, it may bring serious flooding and risks to those districts. If heavy rain at that time does not extend generally over Hong Kong and reach the criteria for a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the Observatory will issue the "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain", indicating the affected districts and the respective rainfall recorded, to alert the public of potential flooding due to heavy rain in the districts, so as to take precautionary measures.

The "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain" will be disseminated through the radio, television, the HKO website and the "MyObservatory" mobile app (see the attached appendix). The announcement will be particularly useful for those who are prone to the threat of flooding. The public can also make reference to the regional rainfall information (Note 1) and the radar imagery (Note 2) released by the Observatory on its website and the "MyObservatory" app, which illustrate the distribution and movement of rain areas, to better appreciate the latest rainfall situation.

A spokesman for the Drainage Services Department welcomed the HKO's new measures and noted that both departments have been maintaining close liaison with each other. The new service will provide more information and can assist the Drainage Services Department to deploy resources for emergency measures in a timely way so as to alleviate the impact of flooding during rainstorms.

The "Special Announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories", which has been operated for many years, will continue to apply to the northern part of the New Territories, whereas the "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain" will be applicable to other areas.

Note 1: Regional rainfall information (when there is rain): www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/current.htm
Note 2: Radar imageries: www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/radars/radar_range1.htm

Ends/Thursday, July 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:00

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Appendix (Sample of the issuance of "Announcement on Localised Heavy Rain" by the Hong Kong Observatory on the "MyObservatory" mobile app)