Hong Kong: Life in Hong Kong ground to a halt on Tuesday as the city braced for the onslaught of Super Typhoon Ragasa, a massive storm packing destructive winds and torrential rains. Authorities ordered schools closed, many businesses shuttered, and warned residents to prepare for coastal flooding and dangerous gusts as the storm barreled toward the territory.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Ragasa is among the strongest storms of the year, with sustained winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (137 mph). Meteorologists announced that the city’s storm signal would be raised to No. 8 by mid-afternoon, a rare warning that brings large-scale disruptions and signals that the city is in the direct path of a powerful tropical cyclone.
The aviation sector was among the first to feel the storm’s impact, with nearly 700 flights canceled or delayed across the region. Ferry services were suspended, and residents were urged to avoid unnecessary travel as public transportation systems scaled back operations in anticipation of worsening conditions. Officials cautioned that the coming storm surges could reach between four to five meters, threatening to inundate low-lying coastal neighborhoods.
In preparation, authorities deployed sandbags in flood-prone areas and opened temporary shelters for those living in vulnerable housing. Local supermarkets and convenience stores saw a rush of people stocking up on essentials such as water, batteries, and food supplies. Neighboring Macau and mainland Shenzhen also implemented emergency measures, including school closures and preemptive evacuations, to minimize risk to residents.
The looming arrival of Ragasa has revived memories of previous deadly storms, such as Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, both of which caused severe flooding and significant damage. Officials have warned that Ragasa’s intensity could rival or even surpass those storms, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparation.
As dusk approaches, Hong Kong remains on high alert, with the city’s skyline darkened by storm clouds and winds steadily intensifying. While modern infrastructure and preparedness measures have improved since earlier disasters, the sheer scale of Ragasa leaves the territory bracing for a long and uncertain night ahead.