Super Typhoon Yagi: Hong Kong issues T8 storm warning as gale-force winds forecast
Hong Kong Free Press
The Hong Kong Observatory issued its first T8 storm warning of the year at 6.20 pm as Super Typhoon Yagi brought strong winds to the city.
Yagi developed into a super typhoon late on Wednesday night, with the Observatory reporting maximum sustained winds near its centre of 210 kilometres per hour on Thursday afternoon. At 5 pm it was roughly 340 kilometres south of Hong Kong, and is forecast to move west-northwest towards southern Guangdong province and Hainan Island in mainland China.
“Gale winds associated with Yagi are expected to affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary tonight and tomorrow morning,” the government forecaster said, adding that the T8 signal would remain in force until at least noon on Friday.
“The intense rainbands associated with Yagi will affect the territory gradually later today,” the Observatory continues. “There will be heavy squally showers tomorrow. Seas will be very rough with swells.”
Members of the public were advised to stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports. At beaches popular with surfers, “no surfing” signs were erected after authorities in May warned that Hongkongers engaging in thrill-seeking activities during extreme weather – such as storm chasing, hiking or surfing – could face jail time and a fine.
Classes of evening schools were suspended on Thursday, with the Education Bureau announcing that schools would remain closed on Friday, while public transport routes were affected.
See also: Classes suspended on Friday as Super Typhoon Yagi brings transport disruptions, flight cancellations
Hong Kong was battered by several tropical cyclones last year, including Super Typhoon Saola, which prompted the Observatory to issue its highest storm warning for the first time in five years. A week later, record-breaking rainfall drenched the city, causing widespread flooding and landslides.
Typhoon Signal 8
When the No. 8 signal is issued, gale or storm force winds are affecting, or expected to affect, Hong Kong.
- The Hong Kong Observatory will make a special announcement within two hours before the signal is hoisted. Most offices and businesses will then close and people without special reasons for staying out are expected to go home.
- All school classes and most government services will halt.
- Ferry services will give notice as to when they will stop running, while most bus routes will halt within two hours after the signal is issued.
- MTR trains will run normally unless weather conditions worsen.
- Citizens should return home or stay in a safe place, and avoid low-lying areas likely to be flooded.
- Temporary shelters will be opened in government buildings for people with no safe refuge.
Climate crisis
Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and become ever more destructive because of warming seas. Over 90 per cent of excess heat in the atmosphere is ending up in oceans, according to NASA, as rising greenhouse gases prevent it from escaping to space.
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