Hong Kong Observatory issues Strong Wind Signal 3 as Typhoon Chaba leaves

A Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour, with the Hong Kong skyline blanketed in heavy rain, as severe tropical storm Chaba passes close to Hong Kong on July 1, 2022. ISAAC LAWRENCE AFP HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Observatory issued Strong Wind Signal 3 on Saturday afternoon to replace the No 8 Gale or Storm Signal as Typhoon Chaba gradually departs Hong Kong.

The No 3 storm signal, which was issued at 4: 20 pm, means winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour are expected.

In a weather bulletin issued at 3: 45 pm Saturday, the observatory said Chaba is expected to move inland and weaken gradually.

Local winds are moderate as Chaba leaves Hong Kong gradually. The strong winds are still prevailing over the territory, sometimes reaching gale force offshore and on high ground, it reads.

The Strong Wind Signal No 3 will remain in force until midnight, the observatory said.

The outer rainbands associated with Chaba will occasionally bring squally showers to Hong Kong. The forecaster said the seas are rough with swells.

Members of the public are advised not to engage in water sports and stay away from the shoreline.

Two men have been injured during the typhoon, according to the Hospital Authority. They received treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of public hospitals.

The Home Affairs Department said 25 temporary shelters have been opened in various districts and 87 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

The government has received 37 reports of fallen trees and one report of flooding as of 1 pm Saturday.

Classes of all day schools are suspended Saturday, according to the Education Bureau.

All social service units of the Social Welfare Department, child care centers, centers providing after school care programs, elderly services centers, and day rehabilitation units as well as vocational training centers and day activity centers will not be open to the public.

The Judiciary announced in a statement that all courts and tribunals hearings, including any admission proceedings, are adjourned Saturday.

In a separate statement, the Hospital Authority said that all designated clinics for COVID- 19 confirmed cases, general out-patient clinics, specialist out-patient clinics, allied health and other day services will be closed Saturday morning.

Patients who have scheduled appointments are advised to make a new appointment after the cancellation of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No 8, according to the statement.

The distribution of specimens for COVID 19 testing at selected general outpatient clinics will be suspended as part of the Specimen collection packs distribution and collection service. The service of the Accident and Emergency Department at public hospitals remains normal.

All Community Vaccination Centres under the COVID 19 vaccine programme will be closed on Saturday. The government said that for those with a booking affected by the closure of the CVCs, their booking will be rescheduled to a later date and they will be informed by SMS notification of their new appointment date and time.

The local government has increased its emergency response level for Typhoon Chaba to Level II, the second-highest in the southern Chinese province of Hainan.

Chaba, the third Typhoon of the year, has brought strong winds and heavy rains to Hainan while moving towards Guangdong province.

The provincial government said 47 residents had been evacuated because of the dangers of geological disasters.

Over 400 flights have been canceled on the island, and airports in Sanya and Haikou have been suspended. All scenic spots, maritime entertainment and aerial sightseeing activities in the two cities have been suspended.