Tourists take photos as storm clouds gather overhead in Tsim Sha Tsui, South China's Hong Kong after the Hong Kong Observatory hoisted the typhoon signal No 8 in preparation for Super Typhoon Yagi on Sept 5, 2024. - Photo: China Daily
HONG KONG: Hong Kong raised the No 8 storm warning early on Thursday (Sept 5) evening as it battened down for Super Typhoon Yagi, which is expected to be the strongest typhoon to hit the city so far this year.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Gale or Storm Signal, No. 8 at 6.20pm as transportation providers ramped up services to help residents return home while officials and residents took preemptive measures to cope with the extreme weather.
"According to the present forecast, Yagi will be closest to Hong Kong tomorrow morning, skirting around 300 kilometers to the southwest of Hong Kong," the HKO said in a weather bulletin.
It added that the T8 typhoon signal was expected to remain in force at least until noon Friday.
Packing winds of up to 210 kilometers per hour, Yagi and its intense rainbands were forecast to bring rainstorms and violent gusts to the territory, the HKO said.
At 9.30pm, the observatory issued the Amber Storm Warning, which meant that heavy rain has fallen or was expected to fall over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimeters an hour, and that this was likely to cause flooding in low-lying areas with poor drainage.
The Education Bureau announced that classes of all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergartens-cum-child care centers, will remain suspended on Thursday evening and Friday.
Asking people to stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports, the HKO said those engaging in outdoor work or activities should also take note of the changes in weather.
MTR trains, the light rail and MTR buses will operate at increasing frequency on Thursday from 3pm onwards to ensure residents are able to return home.
The MTR has stated that its trains will continue to operate after the No. 8 signal is raised. Employers are advised by the MTR to release their staff in small groups, rather than collectively, to prevent overcrowding at stations. Some stations may implement crowd control measures, the MTR said.
The Hong Kong section of the High-Speed Rail service will operate as usual.
Citybus and Long Win Bus will maintain daytime services for at least two hours after the No. 8 signal is in effect.
As for airlines, Hong Kong Express has canceled 22 fights on Thursday and Friday, affecting routes to and from Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, and Sanya.
Cathay Pacific said that none of its flights are expected to be canceled due to Yagi, and has advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight-time. The airline will waive any handling fees for ticket changes to allow passengers to change their travel arrangements.
Hong Kong Airlines has cancelled four flights to and from Sanya and Haikou on Friday, and passengers with tickets for these flights will be exempted from flight change and refund charges.
Star Ferry was to operate its last ferry at 7.30pm while some other ferry operators suspended their services earlier.
Multiple cargo terminals have suspended container delivery services since noon.
Hong Kong Disneyland Park remained open on Thursday, but with outdoor recreational facilities suspended.
The storm has disrupted the plans of many residents and visitors in Hong Kong.
The Social Welfare Department meanwhile advised people not to take their children or family members to childcare centers, centers providing after-school care programs, elderly services centers or day rehabilitation units, including sheltered workshops, integrated vocational rehabilitation services centers, integrated vocational training centers and day activity centers.
These centers will remain open during their normal operating hours to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them.
Hong Kong resident Cheuk Hing-on said his 3-year-old son, a K1 student at a West Kowloon kindergarten, was forced to take the day off on Thursday due to the typhoon No.3 signal being hoisted on Wednesday night.
This is the first time his son has experienced suspended classes due to extreme weather, Cheuk said, adding that he feels the government's updates on the typhoon have been timely.
Jiang, who is based in Shenzhen, had planned to come to Hong Kong Disneyland Park with her friend on Thursday, but has had to reschedule her visit due to the bad weather. She said this sudden change in plans has really messed with her mood.
Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki has instructed all departments to proactively prepare for risks such as flooding, landslides, and tree collapses caused by typhoons and heavy rain.
Some estates and shops in low-lying areas such as Heng Fa Chuen and Lei Yue Mun, have also taken preemptive measures to prevent flooding. - China Daily/ANN
