Tropical Storm Tapah Disrupts Flights and Operations in Hong Kong

Hong Kong braced for disruption on Monday, 8th September 2025 as Severe Tropical Storm Tapah passed close to the city, bringing strong winds and heavy downpours that temporarily halted daily activities in the financial hub.

The storm tracked about 170 kilometers (106 miles) southwest of the territory, forcing the closure of schools and many businesses. Several flights were canceled, though by Monday morning the overall damage appeared limited. Streets remained mostly calm with no major reports of flooding or landslides, according to local authorities.

The Hong Kong Observatory raised the Typhoon Signal No. 8, the city’s third-highest tropical cyclone warning, early Monday. Officials confirmed that the signal would remain hoisted until at least 11 a.m. (0300 GMT). While businesses could reopen once the warning level is lowered, the Education Bureau confirmed that schools would remain closed for the entire day.

At Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island, sustained wind speeds reached 101 kilometers per hour (63 mph), with peak gusts measured at 151 kph. In addition, an Amber rainstorm warning (the lowest of the city’s three-tier system) was issued at 4:55 a.m., signaling localized heavy showers.

Tapah eventually made landfall in Taishan, a coastal city in China’s southern Guangdong province, at 8:50 a.m. local time. Meteorologists noted that the system is expected to gradually move further away from Hong Kong later in the day.

While the storm’s direct impact on Hong Kong was less severe than initially feared, the precautionary shutdowns underscored the city’s readiness to act swiftly in the face of tropical weather threats, an important factor for both public safety and the stability of its business environment.

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