Amber Rainstorm Adds To Impact Of Lionrock

The Observatory said on Saturday that it may downgrade the storm signal number 8 to a number 3 signal in the evening, but also issued an amber rainstorm warning, and warned of possible floods.

At 1 pm, Tropical Storm Lionrock was centred about 540 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong.

"Depending on the wind conditions, the Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 to replace the Gale or Storm Signal, No. 8 in the afternoon to the evening," the observatory says.

It issued the amber signal at 1pm, saying it expected more than 30 millimetres of rain in the SAR.

The Observatory warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas, and urged the public to stay away from watercourses, and the shoreline.

However, apart from the downpour and some reports of fallen trees, the weather appeared less extreme than previous tropical storms.

Festival Walk was crowded with shoppers and many shops and restaurants were open.

The Home Affairs Department said it had opened 20 temporary shelters and 75 people had sought refuge.

As of 4pm, authorities had received 114 reports of fallen trees, three landslide reports and two confirmed flooding cases.

The Hospital Authority said nine people - two men and seven women - had sought medical treatment during Lionrock.

On Friday morning, a female worker died after scaffolding collapsed in Happy Valley amid strong winds and heavy rain brought by the typhoon.

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