Typhoon Nuri On Course For Possible Direct Hong Kong Hit
Date: 22-Aug-08
Country: HONG KONG
The tropical cyclone signal No. 8 was hoisted at 7.40 a.m. Hong Kong time (2340 GMT) as typhoon Nuri approached after wreaking a path of destruction in the northern Philippines.
Howling winds swept across the city early on Friday, with winds of over 63 kilometres per hour recorded and white tipped waves churning in Victoria harbour.
The city was expected to grind to a standstill, with the suspension of financial markets and offices, along with schools and most public transport services.
The typhoon won't affect the city's hosting of Olympics equestrian events however, with the last showjumping event having been completed late last night as the weather began to worsen.
Several airlines have already made announcements to cancel afternoon flights given the likely deterioration of the weather.
(Reporting by Donny Kwok and James Pomfret; Editing by David Fox)
