Observatory warns of possible tropical cyclone
Macau was hit by persistently torrential rain yesterday morning, with the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issuing this year’s fifth Red Rainstorm Warning Signal as a train-like band of intense rainfall affected the city, according to a statement by the local observatory.
Frequent showers and pouring rain occurred yesterday morning due to an active south-westerly airstream, the statement said. Thunderstorm areas developed west of the Pearl River Estuary before moving towards Macau, with successive rain bands bringing prolonged heavy rainfall, the statement said, noting that the observatory initially issued the Yellow Rainstorm Warning Signal before upgrading it to the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal.
Macau has a three-tier rainstorm warning system – yellow, red, and black, the latter being the highest alert.
Meanwhile, Taipa recorded the most significant rainfall, with flooding reported in some low-lying areas, the statement said, adding that by 11:00 a.m., the maximum one-hour accumulated rainfall reached 67mm, while the maximum daily rainfall total reached 147mm. The statement pointed out that the water level monitoring station at Caminho das Hortas recorded a top water level of 0.37 metres.
The heavy rain also prompted the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) to suspend classes, according to a DSEDJ statement yesterday. Secondary school classes were suspended yesterday morning while primary, kindergarten and special education classes were suspended for the whole day.
According to another statement by the observatory yesterday, thundery showers and periods of heavy rain were expected to continue today under the influence of the south-westerly airstream. From the middle to latter part of this week, an upper-level anticyclone is expected to bring more sunshine and very hot weather to Macau, the statement pointed out.
Meanwhile, a low-pressure area may develop over the western Pacific near the Philippines towards the end of the week and move into the central and northern South China Sea, the statement said, adding that it could develop into a tropical cyclone, although, as of yesterday, there remained considerable uncertainty regarding its development and track.
Residents are advised to monitor the latest weather information, alerts and warnings issued by the weather station.
This image provided by the local observatory yesterday shows its accumulated precipitation map issued at 11 a.m. and photos of rain-drenched streets taken at 10 a.m. The Post translated the Portuguese text.
