BEIJING (Reuters) -Tropical storm Podul drenched southern China on Thursday, dumping more than 70 mm (2.76 inches) of rain an hour on parts of the provinces of Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangxi and disrupting hospitals and law courts in Hong Kong.

The Asian financial hub issued its highest-level “black” weather warning, adjourning the hearing of Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai until the torrential rain subsides, as a queue formed outside the court for the public gallery.

Medical authorities announced that out-patient clinics across Hong Kong would shut until the “black” rainstorm warning is lifted, with accident and emergency services remaining open. The postal service said it would also suspend operations due to the downpour.

Podul weakened from a typhoon to a tr

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