Hong Kong braces for typhoon Hato, hundreds of flights canceled

Hong Kong on Wednesday issued a level nine storm warning as Typhoon Hato approached the city. Hundreds of flights canceled, trading in financial markets suspended and schools and most businesses in the Asian financial hub closed.

As the city battened down for one of the worst storms, streets were largely deserted as winds intensified and rain lashed down.

The weather observatory said Hato, named after the Japanese word for pigeon, would pass within 100 kilometres (62 miles) of Hong Kong Wednesday morning, "posing considerable threat" to the territory. It warned of strong winds, rough seas and possible flooding due to heavy rain.

The No. 8 signal is the third highest tropical cyclone warning signal for Hong Kong, the highest being No. 10.

OneIndia News