HONG KONG: Hong Kong experienced a dramatic meteorological spectacle as nearly 10,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes illuminated the night sky from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning, according to data provided by the city’s weather observatory. The lightning, accompanied by heavy rainfall, caused disruptions to daily life and transportation systems across the Chinese city.
Known for its high humidity levels in April leading up to the monsoon season, Hong Kong residents are accustomed to sudden downpours during their daily commutes. However, the intensity of Tuesday night’s thunderstorm caught many off guard as the city witnessed a remarkable display of nature’s fury.
Beginning at 9:00 pm on Tuesday, the skies over Hong Kong erupted with an impressive showcase of lightning, with the observatory recording a staggering 5,914 lightning bolts in just a single hour. The relentless downpour continued through the night, culminating in a total of 9,437 ground-to-lightning strikes by 10:59 am on Wednesday, with the New Territories East region bearing the brunt of the storm.
Hong Kong Island, home to towering residential skyscrapers, also faced a barrage of lightning strikes, illuminating the urban landscape with near-constant flashes of light. The intensity of the storm resulted in delays at Hong Kong’s international airport, disrupting travel plans for many passengers.
In addition to transportation disruptions, the thunderstorm wreaked havoc in the eastern Sai Kung region, where violent winds battered a Cantonese opera theatre constructed of bamboo scaffolding. Videos shared on social media captured the force of the storm, highlighting the destructive power of nature’s elements.
Looking ahead, the weather observatory issued warnings of continued showers and “squally thunderstorms” expected to persist through Wednesday evening and into Thursday. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the city had planned a pyrotechnics show on Wednesday evening to commemorate May 1, marking the start of China’s Golden Week holiday period, during which Chinese travelers were anticipated to visit Hong Kong.
