Hong Kong issued its highest storm alert on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha swept through the territory with winds exceeding 167 km/h (103 mph), bringing torrential rain and strong gusts that led to the cancellation of over 200 flights.
The city’s weather observatory raised the storm signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m. (0120 GMT) and warned that the alert would likely remain in place “for some time.”
Wipha will skirt around 50 km to the south of the observatory, the warning showed.
Hurricane-force wind is affecting the southern part of Hong Kong, the observatory said.
Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK), cancelled all of its flights arriving or departing Hong Kong airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
It waived ticket change fees and made arrangements for customers to re-book.
Most public transport was suspended on Sunday, including ferries amid high sea swells.