All schools in Hong Kong will be closed and extra emergency personnel will be deployed on Friday as Super Typhoon Saola bears down on the territory.

The Observatory issued the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 at 2.40am on Friday.

Earlier, Observatory director Chan Pak-wai compared Saola to the devastating 2018 Super Typhoon Mangkhut as he warned there are concerns that serious flooding could be possible in low-lying areas.

If Saola follows the current forecast track and lashes Hong Kong from the south, it will trigger a similar storm surge to that brought by Mangkhut and water levels in Victoria Harbour, Tai O and the Tolo Harbour could rise by between three and five metres, Chan said.

Friday was meant to be the first day of the new term for many of the city's schools, but their continued closure was announced by Chief Secretary Eric Chan, following an inter-departmental meeting to discuss the massive storm.

Chan said additional police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel and hospital staff will be deployed.

"All relevant departments have to remain on high alert. They have to make full assessments and prepare contingency plans. In terms of manpower and equipment, they need to make early preparation," he said.

"We have only one goal, that is to protect the life and safety of the public, and also the properties of the public...We hope this typhoon will have minimal impact on Hong Kong."
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Last updated: 2023-09-01 HKT 03:26