The observatory issued the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal at 12.40pm on Sunday, as typhoon Koinu continues to edge closer towards Hong Kong. It added that it may consider issuing a higher typhoon signal later in the evening if Koinu maintains its current intensity.

"Under the influence of Koinu, gale winds are affecting many offshore places locally with occasional storm force winds on high ground. According to the present forecast track, Koinu will be closest to Hong Kong tonight, skirting about 70 kilometres south of the Hong Kong Observatory," the forecaster said.

"If Koinu maintains its current intensity, its hurricane winds are expected to be rather close to the seas south of the territory tonight. Depending on the variation of wind strength locally, the observatory will assess the need for issuance of higher tropical cyclone warning signals."

Intense rain bands associated with Koinu are expected to affect the territory later today and tomorrow, and the weatherman is reminding people to stay on the alert.

Most ferry services will, or have already been suspended, and franchised bus companies also said they will be stopping the majority of their daytime routes around two hours after the issuance of the T8 signal.

The MTRC, meanwhile, said it’s rail service is running at limited frequencies.

"However, service on open sections of the railway will be suspended immediately and without prior notice if the weather conditions deteriorate or a higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal is issued," it said.

The Education Bureau announced that all schools have been suspended for the day.