Source: Logfret Hong Kong; SCMP; Bloomberg; The Business Times
Date: 17th July 2023
- Stock market is closed, most bus services are suspended and air passengers are facing flight delays and cancellations.
- Hong Kong Observatory warns of possible flooding in low-lying areas due to a storm surge.
Hong Kong’s first typhoon this year brought the city to a standstill on Monday morning, with the stock market closed for the day and passengers facing flight delays and cancellations at the airport.
The Hong Kong Observatory also warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas due to a storm surge. The city’s weather forecaster issued the No 8 signal early on Monday and it will remain in force at least until 4pm.
As of 9am, Typhoon Talim was centred about 260km south-southwest of Hong Kong.
Under the combined effect of the storm surge brought by the typhoon and the spring tide, a high water level of around three metres or more above chart datum was expected at Tai O in the morning, the forecaster said.
“The high-water level may cause flooding in low-lying areas. Members of the public should avoid going to likely affected low-lying areas and stay away from dangerous places,” it warned.
“Seas are very rough with swells. Please stay away from the shoreline and do not engage in water sports.”
A stock market announcement said there would be no trading if the No 8 signal continued afternoon.
At least 16 flights were cancelled and another six delayed, with routes mainly to mainland China affected, the Airport Authority said.
In the community, all-day classes have been suspended although most schools have started their summer holidays.
A total of 92 people sought refuge at 29 shelters opened by the Home Affairs Department in various districts in the morning. The authorities also received three reports of fallen trees.
Except for emergency services at public hospitals, all general and specialist clinics are closed, with the Hospital Authority urging patients to reschedule their appointments.
All court and tribunal hearings are adjourned.
All daytime bus routes operated by Citybus, KMB and LWB are suspended, except for a few providing a limited service.
MTR and Light Rail services are operating at limited frequencies.
The high-speed rail is operating but may be suspended at short notice due to adverse weather brought by Talim, which means “sharp” in Tagalog.