Shenzhen raises rainstorm warning to orange

A map shows affected areas across Shenzhen under active weather warnings as of 9:40 a.m., today. Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory

Shenzhen raised its rainstorm warning to orange at 9:40 a.m. this morning as a new wave of torrential rain approached, with up to 60 millimeters of rainfall expected in the next three hours, according to the Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory.

Earlier in the day, authorities downgraded a rare red warning to yellow at 7:30 a.m. following a temporary lull in precipitation. However, the alert level was raised again as renewed downpours developed across the city. The orange warning is the second-highest in Shenzhen' s three-tier system and signals elevated risks of flash floods, landslides, and other rain-related hazards.

Residents are urged to avoid flood-prone and low-lying areas, with officials warning of possible flash floods, landslides, mudslides and local waterlogging, particularly in mountainous and riverside zones.

Radar imagery from 8:50 a.m. today shows a wide band of heavy rainfall sweeping across southern China, with intense storms concentrated along the coastal region including Shenzhen. Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory

Shenzhen Arts Museum (New Venue and Donghu Venue), Guanshanyue Arts Museum, Shenzhen Museum, Nanshan Museum and museums under its administration, Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning are closed today due to the stormy weather.

Shenzhen issued its first citywide red rainstorm warning since Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 early this morning, following overnight rainfall that intensified significantly by dawn. The red alert was issued at 4:13 a.m. in response to widespread extreme rain conditions and rapidly deteriorating weather.

From 8 p.m. yesterday to 5 a.m. today, the city recorded an average rainfall of 84.0 millimeters. The highest reading reached 208.3 millimeters at the Gangtou observation site in Longgang District, while the maximum hourly rainfall hit 99.0 millimeters at the Shanxia station, also in Longgang.

The storm has been characterized by prolonged rainfall, intense short-term downpours and high cumulative precipitation, all of which heighten the risk of disasters, according to meteorologists.

Shenzhen raised its rainstorm warning to orange at 9:40 a.m. this morning as a new wave of torrential rain approached, with up to 60 millimeters of rainfall expected in the next three hours, according to the Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory.

A traffic officer directs vehicles and pedestrians as heavy rain falls during rush hour in Shenzhen this morning. Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

The rain is expected to continue until noon, with much of the city likely to see torrential rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters and some areas facing extreme downpours above 250 millimeters.

Due to the fast-changing weather conditions, officials said the warning levels and affected areas may continue to be adjusted throughout the day.

Tips for safety

1. Heavy rain is most likely between early morning and noon, significantly affecting rush-hour traffic. Check the latest weather alerts before heading out and plan travel accordingly.

2. Persistent rainfall increases risks — stay alert for waterlogging, landslides and sinkholes. Avoid slopes, retaining walls and other hazardous areas.

3. Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, especially walking or driving through flooded areas. Pedestrians and cyclists should steer clear of low-lying zones; drivers must detour around submerged roads and avoid parking in flood-prone spots.

4. Do not enter mountainous areas — flash floods, landslides and mudslides are highly likely. Hikers should cancel trips, and those already in the mountains must evacuate immediately.

5. Stay away from reservoirs, rivers and ponds, as water levels may rise rapidly with dangerous currents. Avoid lingering, fishing or recreational activities near water.

6. Avoid coastal areas — this round of rainfall brings heightened storm risks along the shore.

7. Stay updated via the Shenzhen Weather App or WeChat for real-time alerts from the Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory.