Hong Kong’s Observatory raised the T8 storm signal at 12:40 pm on Sunday, as Typhoon Koinu skirted within 100km south of the territory.
“Currently, strong winds are prevailing over many places of the territory. Gale winds are affecting offshore and high ground occasionally. With Koinu further edging closer, winds will strength gradually locally,” the Observatory said.
Cool temperatures, strong winds and heavy showers are expected into Sunday evening, though the weather is set to improve by the end of the coming week.
“With Koinu departing and weakening, the weather will improve over the coast of Guangdong in the middle part of this week. Under the influence of a dry northeast monsoon, it will be mainly fine over southern China in the middle and latter parts of this week,” the Observatory added.
Schools have been suspended. Ferry services to outlying islands will be suspended from mid-afternoon.
The Security Bureau said on Facebook that it had arranged a meeting with 14 policy bureaus and departments in light of the typhoon.
Meanwhile, the “Waterfront Carnival” at Wan Chai harbourfront and the “K-Farm Night Market” at the Belcher Bay Promenade, Kennedy Town, have been cancelled. Both were set to take place on Sunday as part of the government’s “Night Vibes” campaign.
Typhoon Signal 8
When the No. 8 signal is issued, gale or storm force winds are affecting, or expected to affect, Hong Kong.
- The Hong Kong Observatory will make a special announcement within two hours before the signal is hoisted. Most offices and businesses will then close and people without special reasons for staying out are expected to go home.
- All school classes and most government services will halt.
- Ferry services will give notice as to when they will stop running, while most bus routes will halt within two hours after the signal is issued.
- MTR trains will run normally unless weather conditions worsen.
- Citizens should return home or stay in a safe place, and avoid low-lying areas likely to be flooded.
- Temporary shelters will be opened in government buildings for people with no safe refuge.
Observatory signals currently in force
- Yellow Fire Danger Warning was issued at 06:00 HKT (4 Jan 2026)
Climate crisis
Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and become ever more destructive because of warming seas. Over 90 per cent of excess heat in the atmosphere is ending up in oceans, according to NASA, as rising greenhouse gases prevent it from escaping to space.
