T8 signal issued as Lionrock and monsoon combine

The Observatory unexpectedly issued the storm signal number 8 at 6.40 am on Saturday, saying it will remain in force for some time during the morning.

With tropical storm Lionrock heading away from Hong Kong over Hainan Island, the number 8 signal had been something of an outside chance. But with local winds strengthening further – due to the combined effect of Lionrock and the north-east monsoon – the Observatory, just before dawn, said it would replace the number 3 signal with the number 8, no later than 6.40 am.

The strong wind signal number 3 had been force since 4.40 am on Friday with gusts and rain from Lionrock battering Hong Kong.

On Friday morning, one worker died after scaffolding collapsed in Happy Valley.

The MTR says rail services will remain as normal, while the Education Bureau says classes of all day schools are suspended.