The Hong Kong Observatory issued a No. 8 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal at 8:45am on Sunday as typhoon Khanun is close to Hong Kong.
Winds locally will strengthen further, according to the Observatory.
The Education Bureau announces that classes of all day schools are suspended today. If classes of evening schools are required to be suspended, the bureau will make the announcement in due course.
Typhoon signal No. 8 means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometers per hour are expected.
At 8:45am, Typhoon Khanun was centred about 260 kilometers south-southeast of Hong Kong (near 20.0 degrees north 114.8 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometers per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea in the general direction of Leizhou Peninsula to Hainan Island.
Local winds were strengthening with gales over offshore waters and occasional storm force winds on parts of high ground. Khanun is forecast to pass about 200 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong in the afternoon. The Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 is expected to remain in force for most of the time during the day.
Northerlies are now affecting Hong Kong and will gradually change to east to northeasterlies. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed.
Tides are currently running more than 0.5 meters above normal. A high tide will occur tonight and cause flooding in some low-lying areas.
Outer rainbands of Khanun are bringing occasional heavy showers and squalls to Hong Kong. Seas will also be very rough with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
Macau will issue typhoon signal No. 8 at 10am.
Read: Observatory issues T3 signal as Khanun skirts Hong Kong
