The weather observatory has issued its third-highest weather warning, with Hato’s landfall expected west of Hong Kong in the afternoon
Hong Kong braced for severe tropical storm Hato Wednesday with hundreds of flights and other transport services canceled. Schools and most businesses in the financial hub were to be closed for the better part of the day.
The weather observatory issued its third-highest weather warning early in the morning and said Hato was expected to make landfall around 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Hong Kong in the afternoon.
“If Hato edges even closer or intensifies, it will pose considerable threat to Hong Kong. The chance of issuing a higher signal cannot be ruled out, ” it said.
Streets clear, flooding feared
Streets were largely deserted, and the observatory warned of serious flooding in low-lying areas as the city battened down for what could be one of its worst storms in years.
Winds intensified in the morning with the maximum sustained winds recorded at Tate’s Cairn and Waglan Island at 77 and 72 kilometers per hour (48 and 45 mph) , with maximum gusts of 103 and 86 kilometers per hour (64 and 54 mph) , respectively.
