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CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOS OF HATO HITTING SHENZHEN

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UPDATE: Many ferry services are still cancelled on Saturday August 26th. Click here for details.

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UPDATE: Ferry services to or from Macau New Terminal is back to normal today Friday August 25th. From Shekou to Macau Taipa; however has two cancelled ferries: 11:00am and 2:00pm and from Macau Taipa to Shekou has two cancelled ferries as well: 12:30pm and 3:30pm.

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We'll continue to update this post until all services return to normal.

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UPDATE: Shekou Ferry Service to and from Macau will resume Friday. There have been no announcements about when Zhuhai services will resume

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UPDATE: The HKO cancelled all warning signals at 8:45pm Wednesday.





UPDATE: The Shenzhen Bay Border Crossing has resumed service as usual.

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UPDATE: At 6:45pm, the HKO downgraded the warning to Standby Signal No. 1 and the Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau has cancelled its Typhoon Warnings.

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UPDATE: Shekou Ferry Service to and from Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Central will resume to normal on Thursday August 24th. Macau and Zhuhai services are reportedly still cancelled. For the latest ferry info, click here.

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UPDATE: At 5:10pm, the HKO downgraded the warning to Strong Wind Signal No. 3. "At 5 p.m., Typhoon Hato was estimated to be about 200 kilometres west of Hong Kong (near 22.5 degrees north 112.2 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour into inland Guangdong, and weaken gradually. Strong winds are still affecting the southwestern part of Hong Kong. Depending on the changes in local winds, the Observatory will consider issuing the Standby Signal No.1. Under the influence of the outer rainband of Hato, there will still be occasional showers and squalls."

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UPDATE: At 4:50pm, the SZMB downgraded the Typhoon Warning from Red to Blue.

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The Metro lines that were closed earlier are expected to resume by 4:30pm

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UPDATE: At 3:45pm, the HKO advised that although Hato is moving away from Hong Kong gradually and local winds are subsiding gale force winds are still occasionally affecting the southwestern part of Hong Kong. "When local winds weaken further, the Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No.3 before 6 p.m."

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Track the storm in real-time (use your fingers to zoom in and or move around the map below as needed:





UPDATE: At 3pm, the HKO announced that "Severe Typhoon Hato was centred about 140 kilometres west of Hong Kong (near 22.2 degrees north 112.8 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour into inland Guangdong, and weaken gradually. As Hato is moving away from Hong Kong gradually, local winds are subsiding. However, gale force winds are still affecting the southwestern part of Hong Kong, and even reaching storm force over high ground. As local winds continue its trend of weakening, the Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No.3 before dusk."

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UPDATE: At 2 pm, Severe Typhoon Hato was centred about 110 kilometres west of Hong Kong (near 22.2 degrees north 113.1 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour will move into inland Guangdong, and weaken gradually. "Hato has made landfall over Zhuhai to the west of Macau and is moving away from Hong Kong gradually. The HKO downgraded the signal warning to No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal."

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The HKO's thunderstorm warning has been extended to 3pm.





UPDATE: At 1pm, the HKO accouned that Severe Typhoon Hato was centred about 80 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong Observatory (near 22.1 degrees north 113.4 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour towards the vicinity of the western part of the Pearl River Estuary.

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"Hato is about to make landfall over Zhuhai to the west of Macau. It is expected to move away from Hong Kong gradually and starts to weaken. Hurricane force winds are still affecting the southwestern part of Hong Kong. When the hurricane force winds no longer affect Hong Kong, the Observatory will issue the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8."

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At 11:45am, the HKO accounced that "Hato is now closest to the territory, skirting around 60 kilometres to the south of Hong Kong. Hurricane force winds are affecting the southern part of Hong Kong. With Hato moving towards the western part of the Pearl River Estuary, local winds will turn to the southeast. Hurricane Signal No. 10 is expected to remain in force for a couple of hours."

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According to Weather Underground, Hato's strength is equivalent to that of a Category 2 Hurricane.





According to the Hong Kong Free Press, this is the first T10 (highest warning) since 2012!

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The Shenzhen North Railway Stations has published a list of cancelled train service and has advised the public to NOT go to the train station for now. They said they would provide an update around 4pm. Here is a list of the cancelled trains.

The following Metro lines have announced cancellations:

Line 1: between Hourui and airport east

Line 3, between shuibei and shuanglong

Line 5, between Shenzhen north and tanglang

Line 11, between airport and bitou

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UPDATE: At 10:45am, the HKO announced that Severe Typhoon Hato was centred about 60 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong Observatory (near 21.9 degrees north 113.8 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour towards the vicinity of the western part of the Pearl River Estuary. "Hato will be closest to the territory in the next few hours, skirting around 60 kilometres to the south of Hong Kong. Hurricane force winds are affecting the southern part of Hong Kong. With Hato moving towards the western part of the Pearl River Estuary, local winds will turn gradually to the southeast. Hurricane Signal No. 10 is expected to remain in force for a few hours."

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Trains from Guangzhou to or from Shenzhen to or from HK train have been canceled From 5am to 4pm. Around 90 trains have been cancelled in total so far,

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UPDATE: At 9am, the HKO announced that Severe Typhoon HATO was 80 km south of Hong Kong with maximum sustained wind at the center of 155 km/h. At 8:30 am the HKO extended the Thunderstorm warning to 11:30 am. At 8am the SZMB upgraded the Typhoon Warning from Yellow to Orange and advise the public to take the necessary precautions listed below.

1. Local residents should tune in to the radio or TV {or ShekouDaily.cn/hato} for the latest typhoon news.

2. Suspend school/nursery/kindergarten classes.

3. Suspend operations for the safety of employees (except essential services: emergency rescue, medical, public transport/utilities)

shelter stranded employees.

4. Close exhibitions, markets, and coastal parks, and halt outdoor/stadium sporting activities.

5. Outdoor workers should seek shelter nearby and park vehicles in safe places. If necessary, call the Civil Affairs Hotline 12349 for nearest shelters.

6. Stay indoors and take protective measures: strengthen doors and windows, tape windowpanes, and avoid windows from shattering glass. Remove or secure outdoor items to prevent injury.

7. Those in at-risk areas such as seaside, dilapidated buildings, and simple work sheds should seek shelter immediately.

8. Those doing outdoor work in the upper-air or at sea should cease working.

9. All ferries/vessels should stop sailing, take shelter, anchor, and keep close watch. If in distress at sea, call Shenzhen Marine Search and Rescue Center for help, Tel: 12395.

10. Consult airports, seaports, bus terminals and border checkpoints before going there.

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UPDATE: At 8:10am, the HKO issued Increasing Gale or Storm Signal, No. 9. This means that winds are expected to increase significantly as Hato moves closer to Hong Kong.





Typhoon Hato has intensified into a severe typhoon. At 8 a.m., Hato was centred about 100 kilometres south-southeast of Hong Kong Observatory (near 21.5 degrees north 114.6 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour towards the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary.





A high water level of 3 metres or more above chart datum is expected at Quarry Bay between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A high water level of about 5.0 metres above chart datum is expected at Tolo Harbour around noon time. Severe sea water flooding may occur in low-lying areas. Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline and stop all outdoor activities.





The following precautions have been advised:

1. Do not go outside. If you are reasonably protected, stay where you are and keep well away from all windows. Close all interior doors and make sure children are confined to the least exposed part of your home. On no account should you touch electric cables that have been blown loose.

2. Stay away from exposed windows and doors because glass, already under strain from wind pressure, will shatter if a flying object should hit it. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter, should windows be broken. You should only fix broken windows and doors when there is no danger in doing so.

3. If the eye of the typhoon passes directly over Hong Kong, there may be a temporary lull lasting from a few minutes to several hours. This will be followed by a sudden resumption of violent winds from a different direction. Remain where you are if protected and be prepared for destructive winds and the change in wind directions. Listen to broadcast warnings.

4. Since seas are very rough and there are swells, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

5. If you are away from home and cannot return fairly soon, find a safe place and remain there until the danger is over.

6. Flights at Hong Kong International Airport may be affected by the weather. Please contact your airline for the latest flight information before departing for the airport.

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UPDATE: At 8am, Typhoon HATO was approximately 100 km south-southeast of Hong Kong with maximum sustained wind near the center of 145 km/h.

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UPDATE: At 7am, Typhoon HATO was approximately 120 km south-southeast of Hong Kong with maximum sustained wind near the center of 145 km/h.

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UPDATE: At 7am, today the HKO issued a Thunderstorm Warning. They say it will be valid until 9:00 a.m. today. "Squally thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when thunderstorms occur: Stay indoors. Seek shelter in buildings if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Do not stand on high grounds. Keep away from highly conductive objects, trees or masts.

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UPDATE: At 5:20 am, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) issued a special announcement that many flights will be affected by Typhoon HATO. We checked their real-time flight schedule and noticed that almost all departing flights have already been cancelled. Click here for real-time flight info at HKIA or click here for flight queries from Shenzhen Airport.

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UPDATE: At 5:45am Wednesday August 23rd, the HKO issued the No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal. This means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected from the northeast.

Typhoon Hato is expected to make landfall at around 100 kilometres to the west of Hong Kong this afternoon. The number 8 gale or storm signal will remain in force for most of the time during the day. If Hato edges even closer or intensifies, it will pose considerable threat to the area and the HKO may consider issuing a higher warning signal.

The high tide, occurring before noon, and the storm surge induced by Hato may cause a rise in sea levels of about 1 metre or more above normal tide levels. There could be serious flooding in some low-lying areas.

The following precautions are advised:

Stay away from the shoreline. Do not to engage in water sports. Complete all precautions in your home. Lock all windows and doors, fit bars into position and insert reinforced shutters and gates if they are available. Adhesive tape fixed to large window-panes in exposed positions will reduce damage by broken glass. Storm water drains should be cleared of leaves and rubbish. Do not stand near windows on the exposed side of your home. Move all furniture and valuables away from these areas. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter, should windows be broken.

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UPDATE: at 8:50pm, Accuweather wrote that Hato's intensity is expected to be equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic oceans, before making landfall during the late-morning hours, local time.

They predict landfall will be between Macau and Yangjiang with damaging wind gusts around 160 km/h (100 mph), widespread flooding rain and an inundating storm surge.

“Rainfall totals in Hong Kong are expected to average 125 mm (5 inches) with as much as 200 mm (8 inches) before the rain winds down on Wednesday afternoon,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Tony Hartman said. Wind and rain will is expected to increase by the typical Wednesday morning commute with peak wind gusts of 95-120 km/h (60-75 mph).

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UPDATE: At 8:45pm, the HKO announced that Hato is expected to be closest to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and may skirt within 100 kilometres south of the territory, posing a considerable threat to Hong Kong. Unless Hato takes a track further away from the territory or weakens, the Observatory will consider issuing the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal in the early hours tomorrow.





"As the high tide will occur before noon tomorrow, and the storm surge induced by Hato may cause a rise in sea levels of about 1 metre or more above normal tide levels, there could be serious flooding in some low-lying areas. Members of the public should take all precautions against high winds and flooding as early as possible."

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UPDATE: Here's an updated projected trajectory from Weather Underground as of 8pm CST.

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UPDATE: AT 6PM Shenzhen China Merchants Shekou International Cruise Terminal Co. Ltd. has announced that all ferry service to and from Shekou have been cancelled for the rest of the day today and tomorrow.

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UPDATE: At 6pm, the SZMB upgraded the typhoon warning from blue to yellow and recommends people take the following precautions...

1. Local residents should tune in to the radio or TV for the latest typhoon news.

2. Suspend school/nursery/kindergarten classes. If not ready for school, children may stay at home, and if on the way to/from school, they should be led to the closest shelters. Schools are tasked with ensuring the safety of all children.

3. Suspend operations for sake of employees’ safety (except essential services: emergency rescue, medical, public transport/utilities), and shelter stranded employees.

4. Close exhibitions, markets and coastal parks, and halt outdoor/stadium sporting activities make appropriate arrangements for the evacuation and shelter the remaining essential or stranded workers.

5. Outdoor workers who are monitoring typhoon/traffic info should avoid trees/billboards/power equipment, never touch fallen power lines, and stay indoors when possible. If necessary, call Civil Affairs Hotline 12349 for help or seek shelter nearby.

6. Promptly take indoor protective measures: strengthen doors and windows, tape windowpanes, and avoid windows from shattering glass. Remove or secure outdoor items to prevent injury.

7. Those in at-risk areas such as seaside, dilapidated buildings, and simple work sheds should seek shelter immediately.

8. Those doing outdoor work in the upper-air or at sea should cease working.

9. All ferries/vessels should stop sailing, take shelter, anchor, and keep close watch. If in distress at sea, call Shenzhen Marine Search and Rescue Center for help, Tel: 12395.

10. Consult airports, seaports, bus terminals and border checkpoints before going there.

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UPDATE: At 6:20pm, the HKO has issued the Strong Wind Signal No.3. They recommend taking the following precautions: Secure all loose objects, particularly those on balconies and rooftops. Flower pots and other objects likely to be blown away should be taken indoors. Secure hoardings, scaffoldings and temporary structures. Drains should be cleared to avoid blockage and overflows. Stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports. Fishing vessels should seek shelter without delay.

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UPDATE: At 6pm, the HKO announced that now Typhoon HATO is approximately 410 km east-southeast of Hong Kong and is moving towards the coast of Guangdong today. They are expecting to issue the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 shortly.

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At 5:00pm today, the JMA updated its forecast predicting maximum wind gusts could reach as high as 198 km/h tomorrow. The HKO is expecting to issue the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 shortly.

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UPDATE: At 4pm, the Weather Underground updated it's forecast and now predicts HATO will receach Typhoon strength by the time it passes by Shenzhen on Wednesday morning.





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At 2:50pm today, the JMA updated its forecast predicting maximum wind gusts could reach as high as 180 km/h tomorrow around 2pm CST. The HKO has upgraded HATO to a Severe Tropical Storm and will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 this evening.

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UPDATE: At 12:35pm today, the HKO issued a Thunderstorm Warning; which they state will be valid until 2:45 p.m. today. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when thunderstorms occur: Stay indoors. Seek shelter in buildings if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Do not stand on high grounds. Keep away from highly conductive objects, trees or masts.

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UPDATE: At 12 noon today the Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau announced the Blue Typhoon Warning is in effect for all land areas of Shenzhen as well as the Western and Eastern Sea areas.





They have advised residents to take the following protective measures: Secure windows, doors, hoarding sheets, scaffoldings and temporary structures, and remove/secure outdoor items. Those in seaside locations and in at-risk buildings should be prepared for evacuation. Those working in outdoor, aerial, harbor, and offshore sites should be prepared against strong winds, ensure safety and suspend operations if needed. Fishing vessels/aqua-farmers should land at once according to the notice of the fishery administration sailors/offshore workers should enter anchorage or typhoon shelters on maritime authority’s notice.





If in distress at sea, call 12395 for help.

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UPDATE: At 12pm JST, the JMA is forecasting winds could reach as high as 144 kilometers per hour tomorrow when HATO reaches Guangdong Province.









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UPDATE: At 10am, the HKO announced that HATO is expected to reach Typhoon Classification by 8am Wednesday August 23rd, with maximum sustained winds near the center of 120 km/h. They are still forecasting that HATO is heading right towards Shenzhen.





Image updated by the HKO at 11am August 22nd.

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UPDATE: At 9:45am, the HKO issued The Standby Signal, No. 1. This means that a tropical cyclone now centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong may affect us.





At 10 a.m., Tropical Storm Hato was estimated to be about 620 kilometres east-southeast of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour towards the coast of Guangdong and intensify gradually. With Hato edging closer to the coast of Guangdong, local winds will strengthen significantly tonight and tomorrow morning.

The Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 this evening. Here is a summary of the precautions recommended by the HKO when the No. 1 Signal is issued:

Gutters and drains should be cleared of obstructions. Hinges, bolts, locks and shutters of windows and doors should be checked. Engineers, architects and contractors should make sure that scaffoldings, hoardings and other temporary structures are secured. 4. All small vessels including low power vessels and fishing vessels in open sea should seek shelter as soon as possible. Please take any precautions necessary for small vessels and secure them properly with moorings. Those who have definite duties during a tropical cyclone should now remain on call or contact their control centres from time to time.

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Original article below

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At 11 am Monday August 21st, the Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau (SMB) issued a Typhoon Warning for Tropical Storm HATO. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) released an updated forecast at 5am August 22nd estimating that HATO, currently classified as a Tropical Storm, will reach Severe Tropical Storm status by 5am Wednesday August 23nd with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/hour; around which time we will start to feel its effects here in Guangdong province. The China Meteorological Administration forecasted on Monday that HATO will become a "severe tropical storm or typhoon and enter northeastern South China Sea on August 22, and make landfall in cost of Guangdong on August 23."





As of 8am this morning the HKO's Tropical Cyclone Track Probability Forecast (Beta) was still showing the same 40% probability that HATO would pass over Shenzhen; however, Accuweather is reporting that "Landfall is expected late Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, local time, less than 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Hong Kong." They expect that "Hong Kong will be at risk for flooding downpours from Tuesday night through early Wednesday afternoon. Total rainfall of 75-125 mm (3-5 inches) is expected resulting in flash flooding and transportation delays. Frequent wind gusts of 65-80 km/h (40-50 mph) across the city could result in downed trees and power outages."



The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has forecast maximum winds near the center at 90 km/hour around the time of HATO hitting Guangdong province with gusts as high as 126 km/hour. A Yellow Alert for Ocean Waves was issued at 4pm on Monday by The State Oceanic Administration stating that waves along some of Guangdong's Eastern coast will surge to 2.5 meters high.





By 5am Thursday August 24th, HKO is expecting to downgrade HATO to a Tropical Depression with forecasted maximum sustained winds near the center of 45 km/hour.





No warnings have yet to be issued by the HKO for precautions to be taken. We expect the HKO will likely issue the Strong Wind Signal sometime today at which time they'll advise to take the following precautions "Secure all loose objects, particularly those on balconies and rooftops. Flower pots and other objects likely to be blown away should be taken indoors. Secure hoardings, scaffoldings and temporary structures. Drains should be cleared to avoid blockage and overflows. Stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports. Fishing vessels should seek shelter without delay."