Brace for Talim

Wallis Wang

The city braced for typhoon Talim last night as the observatory said it would be closest to the city this morning - with the first No 8 warning this year likely to be hoisted.

The strong wind signal No 3 was issued at 5.40am yesterday and remained in force for the day.

At 8pm, Talim was estimated to be about 320 kilometers south-southeast of Hong Kong and was forecast to move west-northwest at about 15km per hour in the direction of western Guangdong and Hainan Island.

The observatory said Talim had shown signs of intensification and it would assess the need of issuing storm signal No 8 overnight.

"Talim will be closest to Hong Kong [this morning], skirting within about 300 kilometers to the south of Hong Kong," it said.

The observatory warned residents living in low-lying coastal areas to prepare for possible flooding due to the combined effect of Talim and the spring tide.

"The public should complete precautionary measures against high winds and flooding as soon as possible. Seas are rough with swells. Please stay away from the shoreline and do not engage in water sports," it said.

With Talim approaching, a number of ferry services and flights have been affected.

Hong Kong Airlines have canceled two flights between Hong Kong and Haikou, HX107 and HX108, today.

The Airport Authority said operations remained normal, with Cathay Pacific and HK Express saying their flights were not affected.

Outlying residents returned home earlier as ferry services were suspended, including ferries to Tai O, Mui Wo, Tap Mun and Tung Ping Chau.

Classes in kindergartens and schools for children with physical or intellectual disabilities were suspended under signal No 3.

While Hong Kong Disneyland remained open, all outdoor rides were suspended.

Ngong Ping 360 cable car was shut down.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board canceled all programs of the Harbour Chill Carnival last night, including two music sessions, street performances and the "A Symphony of Lights."

Meanwhile, a 12-meter-high tree in Repulse Bay fell at around 4.30pm due to strong winds and hit a 43-year-old Filipino domestic helper.

She was momentarily unconscious and was sent to Queen Mary Hospital.

The Drainage Services Department installed water-stop boards and sandbags in Lei Yue Mun to prevent seawater surges.

But merchants in the area were not too worried.

"I heard from the observatory that [Talim] will not hit Hong Kong directly. But maybe I need to take back the canvas," merchant Chan said.

Another merchant, Lee, said: "We need to put tables, chairs, refrigerator and washing machine at higher places tonight. When typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong [in 2018], there were knee-deep floods."

Talim is expected to depart from the coast of Guangdong midweek.

However, the city will see rainy weather until Friday under the influence of a broad trough of low pressure area over the central and northern parts of the South China Sea.

There will be sunny intervals on Friday as the anticyclone strengthens.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com