‘This one is very different’: Super Typhoon Mangkhut threatens Hong Kong, Philippines and Taiwan
Too early to predict if ‘strongest storm ever to threaten city’ will be a direct hit, Observatory says, but authorities are taking no chances
Hong Kong is bracing for a super typhoon this weekend that could be the most intense storm ever to hit the city.
Super Typhoon Mangkhut, equivalent to a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane and still gaining strength, was on a collision course for the Philippines first on Wednesday – with Taiwan and Hong Kong next on its forecast track.
On Thursday, the Hong Kong Observatory cancelled all tropical cyclone signals at 7.40am, but warned that conditions were expected to deteriorate significantly later in the week with the arrival of Mangkhut. Very hot weather is forecast for Friday and Saturday, with frequent heavy rain, squalls and rough seas predicted for Sunday.
The city’s government convened an interdepartmental meeting on Wednesday, chaired by the security minister to discuss contingency measures and ensure preparedness.
“Representatives from relevant bureaus and departments also reported their preparatory work and contingency plans, particularly on measures in the prevention and handling of flooding, backflow of seawater and emergency plans for high-risk locations,” a government statement read.