HKO says T10 signal 'possible' as govt calls interdepartmental meeting to cope with Typhoon Saola

The government convened an interdepartmental meeting on Thursday as Super Typhoon Saola approaching Hong Kong, with the Observatory saying that issuing a T10 signal is "possible" according to the forecast.

Saola will be closest to Hong Kong from Friday night till Saturday morning, and its damage could be comparable to some of the worst typhoons such as Mangkhut and Hato, said the Hong Kong Observatory director Chan Pak-wai during the press conference.

The Observatory will issue the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 between 2 am and 5 am tomorrow (Sept 1), he said.

Regarding the possibility of hoisting Hurricane Signal No. 10, Chan said it is possible as there will be up to hurricane force winds blowing offshore and on high ground on Friday, but stressed that the final decision would depend on the situation.

The No. 10 signal will be issued if hurricane force wind is blowing or expected to blow with sustained speed reaching 118 km per hour or above and gusts that may exceed 220 km per hour, according to the weather watchdog website.

The Education Bureau announced that classes of all schools will be suspended on Friday, despite being the first day of term for many.

The Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, who chaired an interdepartmental Steering Committee meeting this morning as requested by the city's leader John Lee Ka-chiu, urged residents to take precautionary measures to cope with Saola.

He said Saola poses a severe threat to Hong Kong, and citizens should not take that lightly.

Chan also reminded the employers to give prime consideration to employees' safety during the typhoon and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach regarding their actual difficulties and needs. 

He added that the evacuation preparation for the residents in low-lying areas is in progress.

The Buildings Department has also deployed staff to inspect the construction sites to remind relevant parties to keep an eye on site safety.

The Home Affairs Department's emergency hotline (2572 8427) has been activated to handle public enquiries on the typhoon after the T3 signal was issued. A total of 29 temporary shelters operated by the District Offices will advance times to open from 8 pm tonight for people in need.