Severe squalls affected parts of Hong Kong during the passage of thunderstorms today. The storms were associated with a rainband under the influence of an active trough of low pressure over southern Guangdong.

Gusts of up to 129kph were reported at Hong Kong International Airport about 9.45am. The Observatory issued a squally thunderstorm warning for the airport from 7.35am to 10.30am, and a strong wind and gust warning for it from 9.27am to 10.30am. A Government Flying Service helicopter was flipped onto its side by the gusts while it was parked on the apron on emergency standby.

Peak gusts of 75kph were recorded at Kai Tak and 79kph in Sai Kung.

The trough is expected to bring more unsettled weather to the south China coastal areas in the following days.