T8 signal to remain in force most of Saturday as Typhoon Chaba thrashes Hong Kong

Typhoon Chaba continued to thrash Hong Kong on Saturday as the storm passed 300 kilometres south of the city.

The Observatory said it would keep the T8 signal in force until at least 4pm, as the storm makes landfall near Zhanjiang during the afternoon.

“Chaba’s rainbands are bringing violent winds and heavy showers to the Pearl River Estuary. Gale force winds are affecting many places in the territory, while winds occasionally reach storm force offshore and on high ground. Gales associated with Chaba will continue to affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary in the early afternoon,” the Observatory said.

Rain is expected throughout next week.

Winds of 76 kilometres per hour, and gusts of 94 kilometres per hours were recorded on Cheung Chau.

The government said one person has been injured during the typhoon period, and they received 24 reports of fallen trees, though no landslide or flooding reports.

Surf’s up at Repulse 🏄‍♀️ #t8 pic.twitter.com/JSocySlTr3
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“The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 25 temporary shelters in various districts and 81 people have sought refuge at the shelters,” a government statement said.

The Palace Museum, which was set to open on Saturday as part of the 25th anniversary of the Handover celebrations, will remain closed.

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.