Hong Kong hoists T8 storm signal and shuts down, as Tropical Cyclone Kompasu set to batter city

The Hong Kong Observatory hoisted the T8 signal warning at 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday as the severe Tropical Cyclone Kompasu neared the city.

“With the combined effect of Kompasu and the northeast monsoon, strong to gale force northerly winds prevail over the coast of Guangdong,” the Observatory said. According to the present forecast track, Kompasu will be closest to Hong Kong early tomorrow (13 October) morning, skirting within 400 kilometres to the south of the territory.”

All schools have been suspended. The MTR put on extra trains, with ferry services set to halt before 7 p.m.

Two district council-run temporary shelters will operate at the Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre and the Tai O Rural Committee Office during the storm.

The Labour Department urged all employers to make safe arrangements for employees: “[E]mployers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility for employees to travel to and from their workplaces.”

The Legislative Council also suspended its meetings ahead of the official notice. All Covid-19 vaccine centres have closed, whilst care centres for children and elderly run by the Social Welfare Department will also halt while the T8 signal is still in force.

Photos on social media showed empty shelves at supermarkets as Hongkongers stocked up on goods ahead of the storm.

Long queues at supermarkets across the city have also been spotted.

A T8 signal warns of strong sustained winds of 63 to 117 kilometres per hour, and gusts which may exceed 180 kilometres per hour.

Hong Kong’s typhoon signals range from one to 10, with 10 being the most severe.

Strong winds and rain are predicted into the public holiday on Thursday, with the weather set to “improve slightly” over the weekend.

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