China's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions raised typhoon signals to their highest levels early on Wednesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached the Pearl River Delta, triggering widespread transport suspensions, school closures, and emergency operations.
The Hong Kong Observatory hoisted the Hurricane Signal No. 10 at 02:40 Wednesday, indicating sustained winds of at least 118 km/h with gusts exceeding 220 km/h. Macao’s Geophysical and Meteorological Bureau followed suit at 05:30 Wednesday, issuing its highest warning, the No. 10 signal.
Typhoon Ragasa, which earlier prompted No. 8 warnings on Tuesday afternoon, and brought torrential rain and fierce winds to both regions, is expected to pass within 100 km south of Hong Kong during Wednesday morning. Authorities have warned of severe storm surges comparable to 2017’s "Hato" and 2018’s "Mangkhut".
On Tuesday afternoon, Hong Kong halted all its ferry services.
Since 02:40 Wednesday, Hong Kong’s MTR has suspended all outdoor rail services, with underground sections operating minimally. All bus and tram services have also suspended.
High-speed rail services between West Kowloon and mainland stations have been called off through Wednesday.
In Macao, all sea crossings and four cross-sea bridges, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, were closed by late Tuesday. Public departments also suspended their operations.
Hong Kong, Macao issue highest warnings as Super Typhoon Ragasa heads for Pearl River Delta
Hong Kong, Macao issue highest warnings as Super Typhoon Ragasa heads for Pearl River Delta
