The Hong Kong Observatory will issue the No 9 storm signal at 7.20am on Sunday, seven hours after the first No 8 signal of the year took effect, as Typhoon Wipha edged its way towards the city.
The forecaster said Wipha’s hurricane winds will be “rather close” to Hong Kong as the typhoon will skirt at about 50km south of the city around noon, warning that adverse weather will persist with heavy squally showers during the day.
The forecaster said Wipha had intensified from a severe tropical storm into a typhoon shortly before midnight on Saturday.
The No 8 signal was expected to remain in force for most of the day, with adverse weather persisting, the forecaster said. It warned that adverse weather would persist during the day.
More than 500 weekend flights have been cancelled, while most public transport services have been suspended and major events such as the annual Hong Kong Book Fair are closed.
Follow the Post’s updates as Wipha – a woman’s name in Thai meaning “splendour” or “radiance” – bears down on the city.
Reporting by Wynna Wong, Harvey Kong, Jiang Chuqin and Elizabeth Cheung.
