Authorities in Hong Kong have suspended classes and called on residents to take immediate shelter as the Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest-level Black Rainstorm Warning on Thursday.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the warning at 12:55 p.m. local time, urging residents to remain vigilant and stay in safe locations as heavy rain continued to affect the territory.

Meteorological officials said hourly rainfall was expected to exceed 70 millimeters, with intense downpours likely to persist in the coming hours.

Following the warning, schools were suspended and some businesses temporarily halted operations. The alert marks the second Black Rainstorm Warning issued in Hong Kong this year, following a previous activation on June 8.

Hong Kong and parts of southern China have experienced days of heavy rainfall due to an active southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system affecting the region.

The Observatory also warned that strong winds could continue, reporting gusts of nearly 80 kilometers per hour in the southwestern district of Tai O.

The severe weather comes ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday period, which begins on Friday and is expected to generate increased travel activity across the region as residents take advantage of the three-day break.

Across the border in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, authorities issued a red rainstorm warning and advised residents to avoid low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding.

Shenzhen officials also warned of an elevated risk of flash floods, landslides and other weather-related hazards in mountainous areas as heavy rainfall continues to affect the region.

Weather authorities said they would continue monitoring conditions closely and urged the public to follow official safety guidance. (ILKHA)