Hong Kong’s Observatory raised the T8 storm signal at 12:40 pm on Sunday, as Typhoon Koinu skirted within 100km south of the territory.

Tropical Cyclone Koinu
Tropical Cyclone Koinu. Photo: Observatory.

“Currently, strong winds are prevailing over many places of the territory. Gale winds are affecting offshore and high ground occasionally. With Koinu further edging closer, winds will strength gradually locally,” the Observatory said.

weather outlook
Photo: Observatory.

Cool temperatures, strong winds and heavy showers are expected into Sunday evening, though the weather is set to improve by the end of the coming week.

Typhoon Koinu
Typhoon Koinu skirts Hong Kong on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

“With Koinu departing and weakening, the weather will improve over the coast of Guangdong in the middle part of this week. Under the influence of a dry northeast monsoon, it will be mainly fine over southern China in the middle and latter parts of this week,” the Observatory added.

Schools have been suspended. Ferry services to outlying islands will be suspended from mid-afternoon.

Typhoon Koinu
Typhoon Koinu skirts Hong Kong on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The Security Bureau said on Facebook that it had arranged a meeting with 14 policy bureaus and departments in light of the typhoon.

Typhoon Koinu
Typhoon Koinu skirts Hong Kong on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Meanwhile, the “Waterfront Carnival” at Wan Chai harbourfront and the “K-Farm Night Market” at the Belcher Bay Promenade, Kennedy Town, have been cancelled. Both were set to take place on Sunday as part of the government’s “Night Vibes” campaign.

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.

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

TRUST PROJECT HKFP
SOPA HKFP
IPI HKFP

Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

press freedom day hkfp
contribute to hkfp methods
YouTube video

Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.

Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 and is the editor-in-chief. In addition to editing, he is responsible for managing the newsroom and company - including fundraising, recruitment and overseeing HKFP's web presence and ethical guidelines.

He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously led an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.