In Pictures: Hong Kong lowers storm warning to T3 as Super Typhoon Yagi cancels flights but leaves little damage

Hong Kong Free Press

The Hong Kong Observatory lowered its storm warning to a T3 at 12.40 pm on Friday as Super Typhoon Yagi departed from the city, leaving little damage in its wake.

A man runs along the waterfront promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui, on September 5, 2024, as Super Typhoon Yagi skirts Hong Kong. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Several flights were cancelled as a result of the storm, with the city closing beaches and opening shelters for people in need.

Before the T8 signal was raised at 6.20 pm on Thursday, wind chasers and tourists were out enjoying the views at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. In the adjacent commercial district, shop keepers arranged sandbags and tape to protect their shops from strong winds and potential flooding.

A couple on the waterfront promenade at Tsim Sha Tsui, on September 5, 2024, as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Even after the T8 typhoon warning was raised, HKFP observed people out along the harbourfront in Tsim Sha Tsui chasing the wind as others rushed home. Members from Hong Kong’s Civil Aid Service patrolled near the promenade.

Five people were admitted to hospital with injuries sustained “during the typhoon period,” the government said, adding that it had received 79 reports of fallen trees across the city.

People on the waterfront promenade at Tsim Sha Tsui, on September 5, 2024, as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced on Thursday evening that all beaches under its management would be temporarily closed while the T8 signal was in effect.

“In accordance with the Bathing Beaches Regulation under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132, sub. leg. E), any failure to comply with the temporary closure arrangements is an offence and the offender will be liable to a maximum fine of HK$2,000 and imprisonment up to 14 days upon conviction,” the department said.

The Home Affairs Department opened 30 temporary shelters across Hong Kong, with 269 people seeking refuge.

A woman walks a dog along a windy Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches Hong Kong, on September 5, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Due to the strong winds and heavy rain, the Hong Kong Airport Authority told local media on Friday morning that it had rescheduled 918 flights scheduled to take off on Thursday and Friday, among which 50 were cancelled.

The authority said it activated an Airport Emergency Centre on Thursday, setting up temporary rest areas with chairs and mobile charging stations in the terminal and deploying more staff to assist passengers.

A man holds his umbrella to the wind as strong gusts from Super Typhoon Yagi buffet the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade, on September 5, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

On Friday morning, HKFP observed that the Hong Kong International Airport was running smoothly.

As of 11 am, the MTR announced that it would increase the frequency of its services to meet passenger demand as people returned to work on Friday afternoon. Ferry and bus companies also announced that services would resume after the T3 signal came into effect.

Ferry companies announced that services would resume after storm signal was downgraded to T3.