T8 Downgraded To T3 As Ma-On Moves Away From HK

The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its T8 signal to the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal at 9:20am on Thursday morning, as Severe Tropical Storm Ma-On moved away from Hong Kong after coming within 200 kilometres of the territory.

The territory was left relatively unscathed by the passing storm, though the No.8 signal forced the suspension of full-day schools.

Financial markets and court hearings for the morning were cancelled, along with various government services.

However, local markets will reopen at 1pm; afternoon classes for primary and secondary schools, as well as evening schools, will be held as usual; while afternoon court hearings will proceed as scheduled.

Most bus services are gradually resuming normal services, while the MTR has increased the frequency of trains to meet passenger demand.

However, the railway is urging commuters to plan for longer travel times as crowd management measures may be in place in some stations.

The Labour Department urged employers to consider allowing staff to work from home, or give them more time to get in to the office.

"For staff who have practical difficulties in resuming work on time upon the cancellation of a tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning, employers should give due consideration to the situations of individual employees and handle each case flexibly,” a spokesman said.

He added that employers shouldn’t punish staff by withholding wages, bonuses or other allowances, or even sack them on account of the weather conditions.

Fears of flooding in low-lying areas proved to be unfounded, with the tide receding on Thursday morning after a surge reaching half a metre above normal at Quarry Bay. One single flooding case was reported, along with four reports of fallen trees.

The Hospital Authority said one person was injured during the T8 signal and was treated at a public hospital.

Despite the downgrading of the storm signal, the observatory says showers associated with Ma-on will still occasionally affect the territory, while local seas will be very rough with swells.

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