The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) said in a statement yesterday that a trough of low pressure is affecting Macau, so the city will be impacted by showers today and tomorrow including the possibility of torrential rain with squally thunderstorms.
According to the observatory, due to the impact of the trough of low pressure, the bureau issued a thunderstorm warning and special weather reminder yesterday at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. respectively. Afterwards, Yellow and Red rainstorm warnings were hoisted. All warnings were cancelled in the afternoon shortly after 4 p.m., the statement added.
Due to the severe weather conditions, all afternoon classes for kindergarten, primary and secondary schools were suspended yesterday under the Red rainstorm warning, according to the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ).
The weather station issues the Yellow, Red and Black rainstorm warnings when the cumulative rainfall reaches 20, 50, and 80 millimetres respectively.
The statement noted that as of 4 p.m. yesterday, the Macau peninsula recorded 182.8 millimetres of precipitation, while accumulations of 234.8 millimetres and 184.4 millimetres of rainfall were recorded in Taipa and Coloane.
Since the current state of science and technology cannot accurately predict the intensity of rainfall, such as when and where it will occur, this makes the forecasting of precipitation in Macau quite difficult, the statement acknowledged.
Therefore, the bureau urged residents to be wary of possible floods and landslides caused by rainstorms, and also pay close attention to the observatory’s announcements and warnings.
Meanwhile, Macau was affected by flooding in various areas yesterday, such as Cotai and Barra. The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement that in order to minimise the impact of the floods, IAM staff was sent to the affected areas for inspection and the removal of rubbish from the drainage systems. The statement added that the bureau will continue monitoring the city’s excess rainwater pumping stations to ensure that they are operating normally.
A student holding an umbrella walks past a bus stop near Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College during yesterday’s torrential rain. Photo: William Chan
