Hong Kong facing another shutdown as Observatory warns No 8 signal could be up by afternoon with Tropical Cyclone Kompasu drawing near
- Kindergartens closed for day, some ferry routes suspended as city braces for second major storm in just days
- Impact of Kompasu thought likely to be greater than Lionrock, which led to the longest No 8 typhoon signal since 1978
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Hong Kong is facing another shutdown under a possible No 8 typhoon warning signal as the second major storm in just days threatens the city, with the weather authority pledging to do a better job of preventing confusion over its forecasts and alerts.
Classes were suspended at kindergartens and schools for children with disabilities on Tuesday as the Hong Kong Observatory said city residents should prepare for a gale or No 8 warning as early as the afternoon as Tropical Cyclone Kompasu edged closer to the financial hub.
“As Kompasu gradually edges closer to the coast of Guangdong and intensifies, its outer rainbands will bring squally showers to Hong Kong tonight. Local winds are also expected to strengthen further,” the Observatory said.
Kompasu was about 580 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong as of 11am and forecast to move west at some 25km/h across the northern part of the South China Sea.
The No 3 signal, issued on Monday night, remained in force on Tuesday morning, meaning wind speeds of 41 to 62khm/h were expected.