Dozens of commuters were stranded at Kowloon Tong Station on Sunday, after strong winds associated with Typhoon Wipha led the Observatory to issue the Increasing Gale Signal No.9 at 7.20am before raising it to the maximum No. 10 Hurricane Signal two hours later.

Once the No.9 Signal is issued, MTR train services on exposed and open-air sections are suspended.

That includes East Rail Line services to the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau border crossings. Underground lines maintain limited operations.

"I already know that the weather here isn't going to be good, so I didn't plan a longer stay here. Just to stay a couple of days to meet some friends. It's just maybe I am so lucky that I get this severe weather. I haven't come up with an idea yet. It is what it is," said a woman surnamed Wang, who was struggling with her luggage.

A passenger surnamed Lin said she had hit a dead end trying to return to the mainland.

She said she was desperate to leave as hotel prices soared.

"I’m completely overwhelmed. We can’t get back! Our flight was scheduled for this morning but last night we were informed that it would be cancelled. Then we thought we could take the High Speed Rail to Shenzhen instead but those train services are suspended too. We have no choice," she said.

The rail firm, for its part, said its stations remain open during the typhoon within regular operating hours to offer temporary shelter for passengers in need.

The company also said it would provide assistance to those affected, including distributing water, hot drinks and dry foods and setting up charging stations.

The Disneyland Resort Line, Airport Express, Light Rail, and all MTR bus services also ceased operations. All morning trips and some of the afternoon trips for High Speed Rail train services between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and the mainland were cancelled or had their departing station changed.

The MTR Corporation said its maintenance team is on standby to inspect open-air sections and facilities once lower storm signals are issued and safety permits, with the goal of restoring services promptly.
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Last updated: 2025-07-20 HKT 15:15