The Observatory raised the T10 Hurricane signal for Typhoon Hato at 9:10am.
See also: ? LIVE BLOG: Typhoon Hato batters Hong Kong as city raises highest storm warning
“At 9 o’clock this morning, severe typhoon Hato is located at about 80km to the south of Hong Kong. We expect it will continue to move west-northwest towards the Pearl River Estuary,” Dr Lee Tsz Cheung, Senior Scientific Officer, said.
“According to the present forecast track, Hato will come very close to Hong Kong in the next few hours, and we expect it will skirting to the south about 50km of Hong Kong.
He added that sea levels will reach or surpass levels seen during Typhoon Hagupit in 2008.
Hato coincided with high tides, meaning an abnormally high sea level rise. The Observatory urged members of the public to stay away from the shoreline and halt all outdoor activities.
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The Observatory also advised the public to take precautions against high winds and flooding, as winds and rain will strengthen as Hato nears.
T8 signal raised: Typhoon #Hato set to thrash #HongKong following record breaking heat https://t.co/ph82tguDMX pic.twitter.com/pSbbRfEwbI
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) August 22, 2017
The MTR will maintain a limited underground service. Trains will run at 15 minute intervals on all lines apart from the Disneyland Resort, Airport Express, East Rail, Ma On Shan, and Light Rail lines, which have been suspended. Certain stops will also be closed for the duration of the typhoon.
A beach on Lamma Island as Typhoon #Hato batters #HongKong https://t.co/6dxkZpGDCg #t10 pic.twitter.com/pHe5vj8Eru
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) August 23, 2017
“Whilst all efforts are being made to maintain a limited Rail Service in the underground sections of the railway, travel time may be longer and Rail Service may stop at any time without notice,” the MTR said.
The Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal was raised at 8am.
The Observatory raised the T8 signal at 5:45am. It was updated to the T9 signal at 8:10am.
