Wet, wet, wet: The red rainstorm warning was issued amid flooding, landslides, flight delays, and school and road closures.

The red rainstorm warning was issued today for the first time this year, during a deluge that caused flooding, landslides, flight delays, and school and road closures.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 1.30am, and upgraded it to a red signal at 10.02am.

More than 100 flooding reports were received, and all afternoon schools were suspended. The Drainage Services Department received 241 calls for assistance.

Road rivers

Traffic was disrupted in Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, with floodwaters reaching almost one metre. A raging torrent was also seen running down steep Smithfield Road in Western.

Flooding closed Airport Tunnel lanes and numerous other roads, and traffic was congested in Kowloon East.

At Hong Kong International Airport, up to 62 departing flights and 27 arrivals were delayed. Two flights from Zhengzhou and Beijing were diverted to Guangzhou.

The Fire Services Department responded to three incidents of people trapped by floodwaters on Hong Kong Island and a fourth in Kowloon. Nine adults were rescued from a stalled minibus.

Local barge Woo Sang sank after taking in water at the Central reclamation work area near the Star Ferry pier. There were no injuries and the contractor will arrange salvage.

Classes closed

Classes of the Institute of Vocational Education, the Vocational Training Council's School of Business & Information Systems, the Youth College and all training and development centres and institutes were suspended, and all internal examinations postponed.

Joint Graduation Ceremonies for Po Leung Kuk Affiliated Primary Schools and Kindergartens scheduled for today at the Hong Kong Coliseum were cancelled.

The Home Affairs Department activated its Emergency Co-ordination Centre and temporary shelters were opened for people needing temporary accommodation. The department's enquiries hotline received 265 calls.

The Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre was activated to monitor the traffic situation. 

All rainstorm warning signals were lowered at 1.30pm, however the landslip warning remained in force.

Application for relief

Eligible farmers and fish farmers affected by the rainstorm can apply for relief through the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department's Emergency Relief Fund.

Applications should reach the department's Yuen Long Agricultural Extension Office at Yuen Long Government Offices and Tai Kiu Market, 5/F, 2 Kiu Lok Square.

More rain expected in the days ahead. For the seven-day weather forecast, click here.