HKO To Lower Alert By 12pm As Higos Makes Landfall

The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded the No 9 typhoon signal to a No 8 at 7.40am on Wednesday, and expects to replace it with the No 3 signal between 11am and 12pm when the territory is no longer generally affected by gale force winds.

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

However, the observatory reminded members of the public to stay alert, saying that seas are still very rough with swells. Members of the public were advised to stay away from the shoreline.

As of 5am, authorities had received nine reports of fallen trees, and one flood report.

Two people were injured and sought treatment at hospital.

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

The MTR limited its services to 15-minute intervals wherever possible on its underground sections, and said that it would resume services on open sections gradually after checking the tracks.

Bus and tram services were also suspended during the storm.

Higos has made landfall over Zhuhai and is expected to weaken gradually.

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