Record-breaking rainfall has paralyzed most parts of Hong Kong today, with flash floods submerging metro stations and shopping malls, trapping drivers on roads. Authorities have suspended schools and asked workers to stay at home in a city of over 7.5 million population. The Chinese special administrative region saw the highest hourly rainfall, since records began 140 years ago. Cascades of water tumbled down the city's mountainous terrain as authorities issued landslide risk warnings. 

The city's cross harbour tunnel, one of main arteries connecting Hong Kong island to Kowloon, was also inundated with water. City leader John Lee said he was very concerned about the severe flooding in most parts of the territory, and had instructed all departments to respond with "all-out efforts".