T8 To Remain In Force Before 9am: Observatory

Hong Kong hunkered down on Thursday as severe tropical storm Ma-on barrelled past the SAR to the southwest on its way to the western coast of Guangdong.

The Gale Signal No. 8, which was issued at 7.25 pm on Wednesday, is expected to remain in force before 9 am, though the Observatory will consider replacing it with the Strong Wind Signal No.3 between 9 am and 11 am.

"Showers associated with Ma-on are edging closer to the territory and may bring violent gusts. No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal is expected to remain in force before 9am... With Ma-on departing, local winds are expected to weaken gradually before noon," said the Observatory.

Forecasters said depending on the changes in local winds, the Observatory will assess the need to lower the storm signal.

In Tsim Sha Tsui, some people were spotted on the promenade after the number eight signal was issued.

A family of four, who are on staycation nearby, said they were there to enjoy the windy conditions.

"Normally we would be at home during a typhoon, but since we are around, we came here to have a look... But the weather is not too bad, there's only wind but no rain," said a man surnamed Lee.

Forecasters warned that, under the influence of a storm surge and an astronomical high tide, sea levels at Quarry Bay were expected to be higher than normal between 5 am and 9 am, causing flooding in low-lying areas.

Home affairs secretary Alice Mak, meanwhile, inspected the measures put in place against flooding at a village in Lei Yue Mun. She said officials had helped residents in places such as Tai O and outlying islands to prepare for the storm.

The Hospital Authority said one person had been injured during the storm before receiving treatment at a public hospital accident and emergency department.

As of 2 am, authorities had received one report of flooding and one of a fallen tree.

In a statement issued at 5 am, Citybus and New World First Bus said, except for limited services on Route S1 and B3X, all daytime routes were suspended.

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