Hong Kong, July 31: Hong Kong raised a tropical cyclone signal 8 on Wednesday, marking its third most astounding level, as financial markets and schools shut and office employers left work right on time to return home before the tempest.
According to Reuters news reports, the Hong Kong Observatory stated Typhoon Wipha was edging nearer to China’s coast in the southwestern region of Guangdong province, evading around 300 km (186 miles) west of the city.
“The gale or storm signal, No. 8 is expected to remain in force for most of rest of today,” the observatory said. The highest level of the warning signal is 10.
The coming cyclone brought strong wind, stormy seas, and heavy rain. The bureau of education closed all schools for today with the authorities urging office workers and labourers to head home as soon as possible.
Hong Kong’s financial markets closed early and that it was expected not to relaunch on Thursday if the heavy typhoon signal continues to remain at the 8 level or gets increased at 9 am (0100 GMT).
Trading will be ceased for the entire day if the tempest sign is still at 8 or higher around early afternoon on Thursday.
Neighboring Macau is likewise expected to be influenced.