Hong Kong hoists 1st No 8 signal this year for Typhoon Wipha

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Observatory issued a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No 8 on Wednesday afternoon, as Typhoon Wipha was moving toward Hong Kong.

It was the first typhoon signal No 8, the third highest level, hoisted this year.

According to Hong Kong observatory, Wipha will edge gradually closer to the coast of western Guangdong Province and will be closest to Hong Kong Wednesday evening, skirting around 300 km to the southwest of Hong Kong. The Gale or Storm Signal No 8 is expected to remain in force for the rest of the day.

After the storm signal was issued at 1:40 pm local time (0540 GMT), classes of all schools, public hospitals' general and specialist out-patient clinics and some of the city's public services were suspended.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited said trading in the securities market, including Stock Connect trading, and derivatives markets would be terminated at 1:55 pm local time (0555 GMT), due to the issuance of typhoon signal.

Local ferries between the Hong Kong island and Kowloon suspended their services. Cotai Water Jet between Hong Kong and Macao also halted services.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong said flights at Hong Kong International Airport might be affected by Wipha, and passengers could stay alert of airlines' announcements and confirm their seats before heading to the airport.