Hong Kong raised its third-highest storm warning signal on Sunday due to the approach of Typhoon Koinu, leading to the closure of transportation services and schools. The typhoon arrived shortly after Typhoon Saola, which prompted the highest storm alert, known as “T10,” in Hong Kong. The city also faced severe rainfall, the most in nearly 140 years, causing subway stations to flood and triggering landslides.
The Hong Kong weather observatory warned of strong winds and intense rain bands as Typhoon Koinu moved closer to the Pearl River Estuary, entering within 100 kilometers south of the city. The public was cautioned to stay away from low-lying areas to prepare for potential storm surges. The observatory stated that it might consider issuing higher storm warning signals based on wind speeds.
The “T8” signal, the third-highest in Hong Kong’s storm warning system, was activated due to Koinu’s sustained wind speed reaching 117 kilometers per hour. The storm’s maximum sustained wind speed was recorded at 145 kilometers per hour.
As a result of the storm warning, schools, daycare centers, cargo terminals, ferries, and buses suspended their operations for the day or in the afternoon. Over 30 flights had been canceled by 11:00 am.
Before reaching Hong Kong, Typhoon Koinu had passed near Taiwan, causing heavy rainfall and record-breaking winds on Orchid Island. It resulted in at least one fatality and left hundreds of thousands of homes without power.
Southern China frequently experiences typhoons during the summer and autumn months, originating from the warm oceans to the east of the Philippines and moving westward.