The Observatory replaced the T10 storm warning with the T8 signal at 4:10pm on Sunday, as hurricane-force Wipha moved inland. The T3 signal will be hoisted at 7:40pm.
It was the first time since September 2023 that the highest storm signal – T10 – had been raised. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, as were scheduled passenger boats, whilst the MTR offered limited services.
The T10 signal was in force since 9.20am on Sunday: “The intense rainbands of Wipha are bringing frequent heavy squally showers to Hong Kong. Seas will be phenomenal with swells. The Observatory advises the public to remain on high alert, stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports,” the Observatory said.
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Maximum sustained winds of 171 kilometres per hour were recorded at Ngong Ping at lunchtime Sunday, with maximum gusts exceeding 234 kilometres per hour, the Observatory said.
China’s Hainan and Guangdong provinces remain on high alert after the storm brought rain and flooding to the Philippines.
The annual Hong Kong Book Fair and hundreds of flights were cancelled. Hong Kong’s Airport Authority urged passengers to check for updates.
The government opened 34 temporary shelters with 242 people seeking refuge, as of 2pm. The government’s 1823 hotline received 117 reports of fallen tress, and the Fire Services Department received 246.
As of 2pm, 21 people have sought medical treatment at public hospitals during the typhoon period.
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
- Cold Weather Warning was issued at 16:20 HKT (5 Jan 2026)
- Red Fire Danger Warning was issued at 06:00 HKT (5 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.
