3 rainstorm signals within 90 minutes as Hong Kong hiker struck by lightning
Man suffers leg injury after lightning strike on Lantau Peak as fluctuating rainstorm warnings force afternoon class suspensions across the city
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Bad weather prompted the Hong Kong Observatory to issue three rainstorm warnings within 90 minutes on Friday, with the red signal leading to the cancellation of afternoon classes in schools.
A man was struck by lightning while hiking on Lantau Peak during the unsettled weather.
The Observatory first issued an amber signal – the lowest in a three-tier warning system – at 11.50am, before upgrading it to red at 12.15pm, resulting in the suspension of afternoon classes. The forecaster then downgraded the warning to amber at 1.20pm and cancelled all signals 50 minutes later.
The frequent changes in rainstorm signals upset some parents and pupils.
Several secondary school students complained on social media about the cancellation and delay of their graduation ceremonies following the brief red rainstorm warning.
Some parents of kindergarten pupils were also unhappy about the frequent signal changes, which led to the cancellation of their afternoon classes.