Residents face commute disruption as Observatory issues T3 signal

Residents of Heng Fa Chuen experienced disruptions to their commutes on Monday (Sep 8) due to Severe Tropical Storm Tapah, with some expressing frustration over the timing of the Observatory's downgrade of the Tropical Cyclone Warning to Strong Wind Signal No. 3.

A resident said she had left for work two hours early to avoid rush hour, but would return home after only two hours at the office in Central, as the T3 signal was hoisted at 1.10pm.

She criticized the decision of the forecaster, suggesting an earlier announcement would have allowed better preparation for citizens.

At Heng Fa Chuen Station, commuters gradually resumed their journeys to work. 

A company manager noted that the Observatory's decision to issue the T3 signal was understandable, as long as it was based on actual weather conditions.

He returned to the office early to prepare, but allowed employees to decide whether to come in based on weather conditions.

Meanwhile, eateries in shopping malls maintained normal operations.

Some residents reported that their schedules were unaffected after the T8 signal was downgraded, noting that wind levels were not as severe as expected.