The Observatory issued the T8 signal early Friday morning as Hong Kong hunkered down for the arrival of Super Typhoon Saola, which is expected to come within 100 kilometres of the city.

Packing winds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour, the storm is steadily approaching the SAR, and is projected to pass just south of the territory.

Forecasters say the No 8 signal will remain in force for most of the day, and higher signals will be considered as the storm is expected to come closest to the territory on Friday night and tomorrow morning.

While the territory had yet to be affected by high wind or heavy rain by the time the No 8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal was issued at 2.40 am, the observatory warns the weather will deteriorate significantly, with heavy squally showers and violent winds.

It’s also warning of potential serious flooding in low-lying coastal areas on Friday evening, as the storm is expected to bring a storm surge that may be similar to that seen during the passage of Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.

The observatory said eastern coastal areas, including Sai Kung, Shing Mun River, Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok will be particularly vulnerable.

Members of the public are being urged to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

The city is expected to come to a standstill, with schools suspended for the day, and the stock exchange and most businesses shut.

Most transport services will also be suspended, while many flights have been cancelled. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Rail services between West Kowloon Station and the mainland will be suspended starting from noon on Friday, and all journeys on Saturday have been cancelled. Services from Sunday will depend on the conditions then.

Within Hong Kong, the MTR is running trains at limited frequencies, though the operator warns that open sections of the railway could be closed down without notice if weather conditions deteriorate or a higher storm warning is issued. In-town check-in services have been suspended.

Most bus routes have also been suspended, though Citybus routes B3X, B7 and S1, KMB routes B1 and B9, and Long Win routes S1, S64, S64C, S64P and S64X will provide limited services.

Around 150 people have sought refuge at temporary government shelters that have been set up across the territory for the passage of the storm. No reports of fallen trees, landslides or flooding have been received by the authorities so far.

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Last updated: 2023-09-01 HKT 07:50