According to the reports on Thursday (14 November), Hong Kong is preparing for Tropical Storm Toraji, which triggered a rare T8 typhoon warning late in November—the latest on record since 1972. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the T8 signal on Wednesday night, warning of possible disruptions to infrastructure and travel, with the storm expected to move within 150 kilometers of the Pearl River Delta.
The storm has already led to widespread closures, including all morning and full-day classes from kindergarten to secondary schools across the city. Additionally, events like horse races at Happy Valley were canceled to prioritize safety. As winds increase and squally showers begin, transportation services, such as ferries and buses, are expected to operate on limited schedules until the storm weakens.
Despite the disruptions, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing will continue trading during the storm, thanks to a new mechanism allowing operations to proceed in extreme weather conditions. This measure aims to maintain business continuity amid severe weather, a significant shift in how the city manages its financial markets during typhoons.
The occurrence of four tropical systems simultaneously in the western North Pacific this late in the year is unprecedented, underlining an unusual weather pattern with implications for regional travel. Airlines and travel agencies are on alert for possible delays and cancellations, while local hotels are accommodating travelers affected by the disruptions.
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