HKO to consider downgrading T9 after 7am

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) on Sunday said it would consider downgrading the T9 signal to T8 after 7am, after earlier warning that it might have to consider issuing the top T10 warning as Severe Typhoon Noul came within 80 kilometres to the northeast of Hong Kong.

However, that’s the closest the storm is expected to get, and it is also expected to weaken as it moves away from the SAR, after earlier making landfall around the city of Huizhou.

“Increasing Gale or Storm Signal, No 9, is expected to remain in force at least until 7 am today”, the HKO said in a statement.

“Depending on the local wind conditions, the observatory will then consider issuing the Gale or Storm Signal, No 8.”

Weather forecasters warned that local winds are expected to gradually shift directions – from northwesterlies to southwesterlies – meaning areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed. Seas will be high with swells.

Sustained winds of 97 km/h were recorded at Tate’s Cairn at one point, while gusts of up to 131 km/h were seen in Cheung Chau.

The MTR Corporation said all open sections of its railway lines, including the entire Light Rail system, will not run while the T9 warning is in force.

Other services will run at reduced intervals of 15 minutes between trains.

The last time the observatory issued the T9 warning was in September 2025 during the passage of Super Typhoon Ragasa.

Edited by Cecil Wong ...