Hong Kong issued its highest storm warning on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha, packing winds of more than 167 kilometres (103 miles) per hour, brought heavy rain and strong winds across the territory, forcing the cancellation of more than 200 flights.
The city’s weather observatory raised its storm signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m. (0120 GMT) and said it expected the signal to remain at that level “for some time.”
According to the warning, Wipha will pass approximately 50 km south of the observatory. Hurricane-force winds are affecting the southern part of Hong Kong, the observatory said.
Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK) cancelled all flights arriving at or departing from Hong Kong International Airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. The airline waived ticket change fees and made arrangements for customers to rebook.
Most public transport services were suspended on Sunday, including ferries, due to high sea swells.
-Reuters