All Storm Signals Lowered As Winds Drop

The Hong Kong Observatory lowered all storm signals at 1.20pm as the effects of Tropical Storm Higos subsided.

The city had already been returning to life, with workers rushing to get back to work, and some government services resuming after the observatory downgraded the typhoon No 8 warning to a No 3 signal at 11:10am.

The MTR said it would be gradually ramping up services to handle peak-level crowds, with extra staff deployed at stations, while bus and ferry operators said they too would resume normal services gradually.

The authorities had lowered the signal to No 8 at 7.40am on Wednesday after issuing the second-highest alert overnight as Typhoon Higos came close to Hong Kong, unleashing strong winds over the city before making landfall around Zhuhai and weakening.

Hong Kong appears to have escaped major damage during the storm. A large signboard came loose and hit the windows of a lower-level flat on Hennessy Road in Wan Chai, but no one was injured.

There were no reports of any landslides, but as of 11am, authorities had received reports of about 50 fallen trees, and two flood reports.

The Home Affairs Department said 103 people had sought refuge at the 25 temporary shelters it opened across Hong Kong.

According to the Hospital Authority, as of 11am, seven people had sought treatment at public hospitals for typhoon-related problems.

The Education Bureau said school campuses will remain closed on Wednesday for safety reasons.

______________________________