Hongkongers headed back to work on Monday afternoon as Tropical Cyclone Tapah moved away from the city, with some saying the weather forecaster's early announcements allowed them more time to plan their trips.

Crowds of commuters began to form near Admiralty MTR Station before the Observatory downgraded the No. 8 signal to a No. 3 at 1.10pm.

Ryan Leung told RTHK that he was satisfied with the forecaster's arrangements this time.

"It already announced [on Sunday] that the [No. 8 signal] would be until 11am [on Monday], then before 11am that it would be lowered to a No 3 signal at around 1pm," Leung said.

Another resident returning to work from Tai Wai said it was good to know about the situation in advance.

"Because of the early announcements, I have made arrangements... I would first go get my lunch then head back to work," he said.

Another man, Chan, left his home in Fanling an hour earlier than usual to beat the crowds.

"I was worried that there would be a lot of people commuting," he said.

As Tapah skirted across the SAR, the Hospital Authority said 12 people – nine men and three women – sought treatment at public hospitals as of noon.

By 1pm, there were a total of 162 reports of fallen trees.

The Drainage Services Department confirmed three cases of flooding.