Hong Kong issues highest weather warning as rains lash

Hong Kong's weather bureau says its highest "black" rainstorm warning will remain in place, as heavy rains lash the Asian financial hub, closing hospital wards, schools, and the jurisdiction's courts and register offices.

The storms follow deadly flash floods in Southern China over the weekend, which left five dead in Guangdong province and prompted a large-scale search operation involving more than 1300 rescuers.

"Persistent rainstorms will cause serious road flooding and traffic congestion. Members of the public are advised to take shelter in a safe place," the Hong Kong Observatory said in a bulletin on its website.

The authority reported 9837 lightning strokes over the city between 6am and 7am on Monday. Up to 60-90mm of rain is hitting Hong Kong and the nearby Chinese city of Guangzhou per hour, according to China's weather authority.

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange remains open, having changed its policy to continue trading whatever the weather late last year.

Hong Kong's hospital authority announced that accident and emergency wards will remain open, but general outpatient clinics and geriatric and psychiatric day hospitals will close due to the extreme weather.

The judiciary said courts, tribunals and register offices would open "as soon as practical within two hours after the 'black' rainstorm warning is cancelled".

The post office said all its premises and delivery services would be suspended until the storm warning had passed.

The city's airport has not reported any disruptions.

Hong Kong Disneyland remains open, with limited operations.