Observatory Lowers No 8 Signal, Now T3

The Observatory has lowered the Number 8 North-East Gale Signal and replaced it with the Strong Wind Signal Number 3. It made the move just before midnight as tropical cyclone Wipha headed away from Hong Kong towards the western coast of Guangdong.

The Observatory warned the public that winds were still strong and could reach speeds of up to 62 kilometres per hour. It said the Number 3 signal would remain in force for a period of time.

The storm led to the cancellation of 25 flights, while nearly 700 fwere delayed, according to the Airport Authority.

The Hospital Authority said, as of 11.30 pm, 20 people - including eight men and 12 women - had sought treatment at public hospitals during the typhoon period.

The Observatory also cancelled the flood warning for the northern New Territories, which saw rainfall of 110 millimetres. The areas of Pak Tin and Kam Tin were particularly badly affected.

Just after 5 am, the Transport Department said all public transport services, which had been affected by the storm, had returned to normal.