The Observatory on Saturday replaced the No 8 typhoon signal with the No 3 strong wind signal, as former super typhoon Saola continues to move away from Hong Kong.

It said the No 3 signal, which was issued at 4.20 pm, would remain in force for some time and that once the threat posed by Saola had further reduced, the Observatory would issue the No 1 signal, or cancel all tropical cyclone warning signals.

The No 8 signal was issued for the first time during the storm at 2.40 am on Friday morning, as the super typhoon approached. It was issued for a second time at 3.40 am on Saturday to replace the No 10 hurricane signal, which had been in force for nearly seven-and-a-half hours when Saola was closest to Hong Kong.

The forecaster said it expected winds to weaken gradually, although there would still be heavy squally showers. Acting senior scientific officer Choy Chun-wing said Saola had weakened from a typhoon to a severe tropical storm, but people should not let their guard down.

"However, the rainbands associated with Saola are still affecting the Pearl River Estuary, and there will still be gale force winds over parts of the territory at first. The sea will still be rough with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline. Do not engage in water sports," he said.

The MTR, bus companies, and ferry operators are gradually resuming normal services.

High-speed rail services, meanwhile, are to resume on Sunday.

Hong Kong appears to have emerged relatively unscathed from the storm, when compared to the last time the No 10 signal was issued in 2018 during Typhoon Mangkhut.

The Hospital Authority said 86 people had sought medical treatment at public hospitals during the typhoon period. The Home Affairs Department said over 500 people had moved into temporary shelters across the city, while the Drainage Services Department said there were 21 confirmed cases of flooding and two reported landslides. There were also over 1,500 reports of fallen trees.

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Last updated: 2023-09-02 HKT 17:30