Today, the city saw heavy rain and rising water levels in its harbor, the observatory said, warning of “severe flooding” in low-lying areas, such as the historic fishing village and tourist spot of Tai O in Lantau Island. Outlying areas like Waglan Island and Cheung Chau Beach saw maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and 90 mph (161 km/h and 143 km/h), respectively, and maximum gusts of 120 mph (190 km/h).

High waves hit the shore in Hong Kong’s Heng Fa Chuen district on Sunday.
High waves hit the shore in Hong Kong’s Heng Fa Chuen district on Sunday.
Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip

The less built-up New Territories area was in danger of flash flooding, the observatory said.

Around 900 Sunday flights at Hong Kong International Airport have been canceled, affecting nearly 100,000 passengers.

Southern China

A woman is caught in the rain in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen on Sunday.
A woman is caught in the rain in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen on Sunday.
Image: Reuters/Jason Lee

Chinese officials warned that there could be widespread damage from the rains and flooding, possibly to critical infrastructure. Two nuclear plants and the $20 billion Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau sea link are in the path of the storm.

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