Typhoon Koinu suddenly intensifies – Latest updates on Typhoon Koinu's path as Hong Kong traffic descends into chaos

The typhoon Koinu, known for its unpredictable winds, suddenly intensified yesterday evening. The Hong Kong Observatory announced at 6:48 p.m. that the warning signal would be upgraded from No. 8 to No. 9 starting at 7 p.m. MTR immediately suspended train services on outdoor sections, and since there were no buses available, large numbers of passengers were forced to queue up for taxis or remain stranded in stations, leading to unrest. Long queues formed at airport taxi stands, with some passengers reporting that drivers were charging nearly a thousand Hong Kong dollars in additional fees.

Typhoon Signal No. 9 was maintained for only about five hours before being downgraded to No. 8 at 11:50 p.m. that night, with No. 8 expected to continue until 11 a.m. this morning.All regular schools are closed today.

Last night at 7 PM after the No. 9 typhoon signal was hoisted, the MTR had to immediately suspend services on open-air sections of railway lines and the light rail system for safety reasons. Multiple districts experienced road closures, and passengers on running trains had to disembark before reaching their destinations. As the MTR feeder buses and other forms of public transport had already stopped operating during the No. 8 signal, and with limited taxi availability, many passengers were stranded at MTR stations, with hundreds stuck at some stations at peak times. Public dissatisfaction was high, prompting police intervention at one point. Some passengers tried to hail vehicles in the wind and rain, facing difficult conditions.The MTR announced two hours later that, for safety reasons, it would open stations to allow passengers to take shelter, providing food and water during the period.

Typhoon Signal No. 8 has been in effect until 11 a.m. this morning.

At the airport, a large number of travelers affected by the typhoon, as well as those who arrived but could not leave due to the suspension of Airport Express trains and taxis, were forced to stay put. The airport taxi stand was also overcrowded. The Airport Authority advised passengers to stay inside the terminal building as much as possible for safety.

The Airport Authority expects that yesterday there were 90 flights canceled throughout the day, mainly domestic and Japanese flights, with about 130 flights delayed, averaging a 30-minute delay.

The government last night urged employers and employees to arrange post-typhoon work plans, including commuting, returning to work, and working from home. It also reminded the public that according to the latest weather forecast from the Observatory, as Typhoon Koinu gradually moves away from Hong Kong, related outer rainbands may still affect Hong Kong and nearby areas, with rainfall potentially reaching a very high level of 250 millimeters per day, which could cause road flooding and traffic congestion. The public is advised to stay alert and remain indoors in safe places as much as possible.

As of midnight today, the authorities have received a total of 16 reports of fallen trees, and 22 citizens have sought treatment at the emergency room due to injuries.The Home Affairs Department opened 29 temporary shelters, housing a total of 255 people.