Hongkongers battle their way through the wind and rain yesterday. Typhoon Hagupit spun close to the SAR, forcing authorities to urge the public to leave work early and close schools. Edmond Tang

The effects of typhoon Hagupit yesterday prompted the Hong Kong Observatory to hoist the year's third T8 storm signal.

The other two times were under storms Fengshen and Kammuri, which threatened Hong Kong in June and August, respectively.

Hagupit disrupted daily life yesterday as classes were suspended, people were released from work early and leisure activities had to be canceled.

There were no reports of casualties as of press time last night.

Hagupit came closest to Hong Kong around midnight, skirting past about 200 km south of the region.

Due to the high tide, the observatory said flooding was expected overnight in low-lying areas such as Sheung Wan.

The storm was headed west toward the coast of Guangdong, where it was expected to hit today.

The Home Affairs Department opened 15 temporary shelters in different districts for people in need.

Affected by Hagupit's outer rainbands, the city saw some rain on and off yesterday.

Around noon, the Observatory forewarned the public that it might issue the T8 storm signal by sunset.

At around 4 pm, the Observatory said it would issue the signal within two hours.

This prompted the Education Department to suspend all school classes in the territory.

Many workers in commercial and industrial districts such as Central, Wan Chai and Tsuen Wan started leaving work. People rushing to catch a bus or train jammed bus stops and train stations.

There was also a great rush at outlying ferry piers before the ferry service stopped after 6 pm.

Star Ferry service to and from Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui was suspended at 8 pm.

The MTR also reduced train service at 8 pm.

The Airport Authority said that as of 6:30 pm, 82 flights had been canceled and 12 were delayed.

Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair canceled flights into and out of Hong Kong from 9 pm onward.

Other than day schools, classes at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, Hong Kong Design Institute and all training and development centers or training institutes were suspended in the evening.

The Social Welfare Department closed all child-care centers, elderly services centers and day-rehabilitation units.

Cultural activities such as concerts and lectures were canceled.

China Fortnight 2008, the National Day extravaganza, which is to be held today at 2 pm, was also canceled.

The Ngong Ping 360 - the Lantau Island cable car - halted its service starting yesterday morning.

A Symphony of Lights - a nightly laser and fireworks display visable across Victoria Harbour - was also suspended.

A spectator gets a close look at the waves as they crash against cliffs in Big Wave Bay as Typhoon Hagupit nears Hong Kong yesterday. AFP

(HK Edition 09/24/2008 page1)