Update | Typhoon Haima takes direct aim at Hong Kong; Signal No 8 raised over city
City’s official weather forecaster warns public not to believe ‘fictitious’ information spreading on internet forums and social media
The Hong Kong Observatory issued Signal No. 8 over the city at 6:10 am on Friday, as Typhoon Haima bore down on the city and ahead of the morning rush-hour commute.
The Education Bureau announced the suspension of classes in all day schools on Friday. Other government services including the Immigration Department said it would suspend services at its headquarters and branch offices.
The Observatory said local winds were mainly from the north. Owing to the effect of the terrain, winds have not substantially strengthened. But winds are expected to strengthen rapidly with frequent squalls and heavy rain in the early hours of Friday.
By 7 pm on Thursday, the storm had already caused at least 159 Hong Kong flights to be cancelled on Friday and disrupted sea traffic.
It said it would consider raising the No 8 signal on Friday morning.
Haima is the third severe typhoon to hit the city in October. The last time that happened in October was in 1989.