Heavy rain from a stronger-than-expected tropical cyclone Koinu brought Hong Kong to a standstill on Monday morning, though the city was gearing to get back to normal later in the day as weather warnings were downgraded.

The T8 was downgraded to T3 at 11.40am, but the stock exchange had already suspended morning trading. Schools were closed and court hearings were postponed, while many government services were also down, though services were due to resume two hours after the T8 was lowered.

The Black Rainstorm Warning, which was up for six-and-a-half hours, was downgraded to red at 10.30am.

While the inclement weather forced the suspension of the Shenzhen Bay Port, other crossings including Lo Wu, Futian, Huanggang and West Kowloon remained open even amid the downpours.

Most buses, ferry and tram services were suspended in the morning. The MTR ran a limited service, and some entrances were closed at Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po and Choi Hung stations.

However, the railway firm said it will gradually ramp up its services when the Storm Signal No. 8 is replaced by the Strong Wind Signal No. 3.

Kowloon Motor Bus, Long Win Bus and Citybus said most of their routes will gradually resume operation around noon.

Authorities said they had received 44 reports of fallen trees and two landslides, along with seven flooding reports.

A total of 29 people sought medical treatment at public hospitals during the typhoon period.
_____________________________
Last updated: 2023-10-09 HKT 12:07