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       The rainy season in Hong Kong is normally between April and September. Rain could be particularly heavy and persistent during May and June, causing severe traffic disruption and on occasions major floods and landslips resulting in casualties.

       The rainstorm warning system is designed to alert the public about the occurrence of heavy rain which is likely to bring about major disruptions, and to ensure a state of readiness within the essential services to deal with emergencies. It is independent of other severe weather warnings such as tropical cyclone warning and landslip warning, which will be issued separately where necessary.

        There are three levels of warning: AMBER, RED and BLACK.

        The AMBER signal gives alert about potential heavy rain that may develop into RED or BLACK signal situations. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. Key Government departments and major transport and utility operators are put on alert.

        The RED and BLACK signals warn the public of heavy rain which is likely to bring about serious road flooding and traffic congestion. They will trigger response actions by Government departments and major transport and utility operators. The public will be given clear advice on the appropriate actions to take.

        Once issued, the signals are broadcast over radio and television. For your own safety, listen to radio or television announcements for the latest information.

Keep Employees Safe at Home during typhoons

       Although the law does not require employers to let employees return home early before the No. 8 typhoon signal takes effect, employers should reasonably ensure the safety of their employees during the passage of a typhoon and allow them to stay at home with peace of mind. During typhoons, employers and employees should agree in advance on work arrangements under typhoon and rainstorm conditions and must comply with the provisions of the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57). According to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" issued by the Labour Department, employers shall not reduce the annual leave, statutory holidays, or rest days to which employees are entitled under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) as compensation for working time lost due to the issuance of a No. 8 or above typhoon signal, a Black Rainstorm Warning, other adverse weather warnings, or the announcement of "Extreme Conditions". If an employer fails to comply with the above requirements without reasonable excuse, it constitutes an offence.

Legal Guidelines for Black Rainstorm Warning

       According to the Labour Department's Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and "Extreme Conditions", when the Black Rainstorm Warning is in effect, employers should not require general employees to report for work. Only "essential personnel" as mutually agreed in advance are expected to report for duty or continue working under safe conditions.

• For general employees:
  They are not required to work during the validity period of the Black Rainstorm Warning. Employers should not request general employees to report for duty, unless they have been designated as essential personnel under prior agreement.
• For essential personnel:
  This category includes staff such as healthcare workers and public service providers. They are expected to report for duty in accordance with their work arrangements, provided that it is safe to do so. Should they encounter practical difficulties such as traffic disruption or flooding, they shall notify their supervisor as soon as possible. Employers should not insist on immediate attendance and shall give paramount consideration to employee safety.
• Wage protection:
  In accordance with the guidelines issued by the Labour Department, employers shall not deduct wages, attendance bonuses, or allowances from employees who are unable to report for work due to the Black Rainstorm Warning. Furthermore, employers are not permitted to deduct annual leave, statutory holidays, or rest days as compensation.
• Return-to-work arrangements:
  After the cancellation of the Black Rainstorm Warning, if the remaining working time of the day exceeds three hours, employees shall return to their workplace within two hours. If the remaining working time is less than three hours, employees are not required to return to work on that day.

黑色暴雨警告上班安排（參考）

Work Injury Protection during Adverse Weather

       nder the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282), if an employee has an accident while performing their duties or commuting to/from work (via the most direct route) during a Black Rainstorm Warning, they may apply for work injury compensation in accordance with the law. However, if an accident occurs due to a detour or an indirect route, it may not be covered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can employees leave early during a Black Rainstorm?
   Indoor workers should work as usual. Employers may exercise discretion to allow early departure based on individual needs, such as for pregnant employees or persons with disabilities. Outdoor work must stop immediately, and workers should take shelter in a safe place.

2. Will I be penalised for arriving late during a Black Rainstorm?
   If lateness is caused by adverse weather or traffic conditions, employers should be understanding and adopt a flexible approach. Wage deductions should not be made arbitrarily.

3. Will I be required to take leave or lose my attendance bonus if I cannot report to work?
   According to Labour Department guidelines, employers should not deduct annual leave, statutory holidays, or rest days. Attendance bonuses should also not be affected.

4. How soon must I return to work after the Black Rainstorm is cancelled?
   If more than three hours of work remain in the day, employees should resume work within two hours. If less than three hours remain, they are not required to return to work.

5. Can employers require employees to work from home during a Black Rainstorm?
   If the nature of the work allows, employers may require employees to work from home. This does not violate any law.

6. What is the work injury protection during a Black Rainstorm?
   Accidents occurring while commuting via the most direct route to or from work are considered work-related injuries, and compensation is payable.

7. How should outdoor work be handled during a Black Rainstorm?
   Outdoor work should be stopped immediately, and workers should take shelter in a safe place until the warning is cancelled.

8. Are employers required to provide transport or allowances during a Black Rainstorm?
   If essential staff are required to report to work, it is advisable to provide transport services or special travel allowances, and to be considerate of employees' practical difficulties.

9. Can employers require employees to take compensatory leave during a Black Rainstorm?
   No. Deducting annual leave or arranging compensatory leave as compensation is unlawful.

10. What happens if shift workers cannot hand over their duties?
    With the consent of the employees, employers may arrange for existing staff to continue working. Duty allowances should be provided and adequate rest breaks arranged.

For details, please refer to:

• Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and “Extreme Conditions”(pdf.)