HK under Typhoon Signal Number 9 as Super Typhoon Mangkhut bears down on the city

Hong Kong is now under Typhoon Signal Number 9 (T9) with Super Typhoon Mangkhut expected to be nearest to the city by noontime today (September 16).

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the T9 warning this korni ng and said it would consider whether to issue a higher storm warning (T10) “depending on the local wind changes.”

“The Increasing Gale or Storm Signal Number 9 is in force,” the Observatory said in a weather bulletin.

At 8 a.m., the Observatory said Super Typhoon Mangkhut was centred about 220 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong and was expected to  move west-northwest at about 30 kilometres per hour towards the coast of western Guangdong.

” Mangkhut continues to move steadily towards the coast of western Guangdong, edging further closer to Hong Kong with a high threat,” it said.

“According to the present forecast track, Mangkhut will be closest to the Pearl River Delta around noontime today, skirting about 100 kilometres to the south of Hong Kong,” it added.

The Observatory said Mangkhut has weakened slightly, its circulation is extensive and winds remain fierce.”

“Mangkhut has extensive circulation with fierce winds. Its intense rainbands are affecting Hong Kong, bringing frequent squalls and heavy rain,” it said.

The Observatory said gale to storm force winds had been prevailing offshore and on high ground.

It added that a high water level due to storm surges may cause severe flooding in low-lying areas.

” In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Tate’s Cairn, Waglan Island and Sha Chau were 114, 94 and 63 kilometres per hour with maximum gusts 149, 113and 98 kilometres per hour respectively,” the Observatory said.

The Marine Department said the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal, and the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui have been closed temporarily due to the typhoon.

The Home Affairs Department said it had opened 48 temporary shelters in various districts and 545 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

The 1823 Government Call Centre has received 10 reports of fallen tree as at 3am. No reports of landslide and flooding have been received so far.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong reported that most flights have been cancelled or delayed.