Classes suspended on Friday as Super Typhoon Yagi brings transport disruptions, flight cancellations
Hong Kong Free Press
Schools will be suspended across Hong Kong on Friday as the city braces for its first super typhoon of the year.
The Education Bureau said on Thursday that classes would be halted on Friday due to Super Typhoon Yagi, which is forecast to bring heavy showers and strong winds to the city. The suspensions include all day schools including kindergarten, primary, secondary and special schools.
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said it would issue the T8 typhoon warning at 6.20pm on Thursday, and that it would be in force until at least 12pm on Friday. Evening classes on Thursday have also been suspended.
“According to the present forecast, Yagi will remain at super typhoon intensity and skirt around 300 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong tomorrow morning,” the HKO said.
The T3 signal has been in effect since Wednesday evening.
Typhoon Yagi marks the first super typhoon of 2024. In its annual outlook in March, the HKO said this year’s tropical cyclone season was likely to be from June to October.
Cathay Pacific said there were no cancellations for flights on Thursday. Hong Kong Express said 16 flights had been cancelled, among them flights to and from Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.
Public transport arrangements
Public transport operators, including the MTR and bus companies, said they were increasing service frequency to cater to commuters returning home before the T8 was raised.
Citybus and Kowloon Motor Bus said they would continue providing normal services for at least two hours after the higher warning signal came into effect. From then on, most services would be suspended.
The MTR’s trains and light rail also stepped up services to serve demand ahead of operating a reduced schedule, while its buses will be suspended three hours after the T8 warning.
The Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Limited, which operates services including those between Central and Lamma Island, said its last sailings would be between 6pm and 7.30pm depending on the route.
Correction: These are the last sailings from Hog Kong & Kowloon Ferry ahead of the T8 storm warning being issued at 6.20 pm on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/mLZkTEJVFJ
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) September 5, 2024
According to Leung Wing-mo, former assistant director of Hong Kong Observatory, Super Typhoon Yagi is a slow-moving storm, meaning the T8 signal could be in force for some time.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.