Record-breaking rainfall in Hong Kong has triggered widespread flooding - shutting colleges and companies and turning streets into rivers.

On Thursday evening it skilled probably the most rainfall in an hour since data started in 1884.

The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 158.1mm (6.2 inches) of rainfall between 11pm on Thursday and midnight.

The climate bureau issued a black rainstorm warning final evening - the primary in practically two years - which stays in place till midnight on Friday.

It stated greater than 200mm (7.9 inches) of rainfall had been recorded on Hong Kong's principal island, Kowloon and the northeastern a part of town's New Territories since Thursday evening - and urged residents to remain protected.

"Heavy rain will deliver flash floods," it warned. "Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions and should consider evacuation" if their properties are flooded, it added.

The territory floor to a halt because the torrential rain submerged streets, procuring centres and metro stations, and authorities shut colleges and requested employees to remain at residence.

Videos on social media confirmed the rain lashing down as motorists tried to drive via the severely flooded streets - and a lady helplessly washed down a highway.

One clip confirmed metro employees wading waist deep as they tried to stem the water move gushing down the escalators and stairs into the station.

Images additionally confirmed a automobile in a deep gap after a bit of a highway collapsed - and roads blocked by landslides.

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A authorities assertion stated Hong Kong chief John Lee was "very concerned" concerning the extreme flooding, and had instructed all departments to "respond with all-out efforts".

All colleges can be suspended on Friday as a result of "extreme conditions caused by extensive flooding and serious traffic disruption" it added.

The Hong Kong inventory alternate didn't open for morning buying and selling on Friday and stated it will stay shut within the afternoon if town's black rainstorm warning remained in place.

The climate bureau attributed the extreme rainfall to a "trough of low pressure" related to the remnants of Typhoon Haikui, which earlier this week swept via Taiwan and southern China's Fujian province.