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Hong Kong on Wednesday issued No. 10 typhoon signal, the highest in its storm warning system, as the city braced for the arrival of Typhoon Hato.
The warning was issued by the Weather Observatory at 9:10 a.m. HKT. It warned that the severe Typhoon would be closest to the south of Hong Kong in the coming few hours as the winds strengthen significantly.
The typhoon is set to make landfall in Hong Kong on Wednesday afternoon before hitting southern Guangdong Province.
From 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. HKT on Wednesday, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Ngong Ping, Waglan Island and Cheung Chau Beach were 151, 136 and 132 kilometers per hour with maximum gusts 195, 159 and 193 kilometers per hour respectively, said the Weather Observatory.
How does Hato affect people's lives?
The Hong Kong Airport Authority said flight operations would be affected all day. At least 420 flights were canceled and the Hong Kong airport is rearranging the schedule of the flights.
All transportation services between Hong Kong Island and the airport were suspended.
Rail service in the open or above ground sections of the railway and MTR Bus Service also have been suspended. The rail service still in operation is doing so in limited sections with 15-minute intervals between underground stations.
The Education Bureau announced that classes at all schools would be suspended on Wednesday.
How does Hato affect trading?
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announced that the morning trading in its securities market, including Stock Connect trading, and derivatives market has been canceled due to Typhoon Hato.
"If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above is canceled at or before 12:00 noon, products of HKEX's securities and derivatives markets will resume trading in the afternoon," according to a statement by HKEX.
The last time that closed the stock exchange for the whole day was in August last year after No. 8 tropical signal was issued due to Typhoon Nida.
More about Hato
Named after the Japanese word for pigeon, Hato is the first typhoon to trigger a No. 10 signal in Hong Kong since 2012.
The last No. 10 signal was issued on July 24 in 2012 when Typhoon Vicente hit Hong Kong that left at least 138 people injured.
The No. 10 typhoon signal is issued when hurricane force wind is expected or blowing with sustained speed reaching upwards from 118 km/h and gusts that may exceed 220 km/h, according to the Weather Observatory.
The National Meteorological Center of China Meteorological Administration also initiated this year's first red weather alert due to Typhoon Hato, warning of possible geological disasters and floods.
(CGTN)
