The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Hurricane Signal No. 10 at 2.40am on Wednesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached Hong Kong, bringing hurricane-force winds to the southern part of the territory.

As of 6 am, Ragasa was centred around 120 km south of Hong Kong, and is forecast to move at around 22 km/h towards western Guangdong.

The observatory said the storm would be closest to the territory "in the next few hours", passing around 100 kilometres to the south of Hong Kong.

In a statement, the observatory warned that the storm poses a "serious threat to Hong Kong."

"Due to the extensive circulation of Ragasa, its hurricane force winds are expected to continue to affect the southern part of the territory," it said.

"Members of the public should be on high alert and beware of destructive winds. The Hurricane Signal, No. 10 will remain in force for some time."

It also warned people to stay away from exposed windows and doors, and as winds change direction, areas that were previously sheltered may become exposed.

Forecasters have recorded hurricane-force winds at Tate's Cairn, Waglan Island and Green Island – with sustained winds in excess of 130 km per hour and maximum gusts of up to 186 km/h.

The strongest wind measured in Hong Kong so far was a 212 km/h gust at Ngong Ping.

It wasn't just remote areas that saw strong winds – North Point and Central, recorded wind gusts that exceeded 140 km/h.

Forecasters have also been warning of a storm surge of around two to three metres along the coast.

Residents in Tung Chung Bay – one of the areas prone to serious flooding – took steps to protect themselves against Ragasa, including placing sandbags and taping their windows.

Along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, pedestrians and underpasses were sealed off as water levels rose.

The last time the Observatory issued the highest storm signal was in July when Typhoon Wipha swept through the city. The No. 10 warning was up for nearly seven hours.

As of 6am, the Hospital Authority said eight people had sought treatment at the accident and emergency units at public hospitals.

Authorities received 90 reports of fallen trees and one report of a landslide.

The MTR is offering limited services, but any lines running along open-air sections, including light rail services, are suspended until the typhoon signal is downgraded to a T8 or below.

KMB and Long Win Bus have suspended all their daytime, late-night and overnight routes, while New Lantao Bus announced it was halting services.

Commercial air travel has been halted for the time being, with only a limited number of cargo flights scheduled for the day.

The Education Bureau said all schools would remain closed for Wednesday.
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Last updated: 2025-09-24 HKT 07:45