Typhoon Nesat caught Hong Kong off guard and brought the city to a standstill, paralyzing transportation, businesses, schools and financial markets on Thursday.

Residents at Heng Fa Chuen had a rude awakening Thursday morning when a barge nearly crashed through a seawall and came to a halt just meters from their block after the vessel apparently broke free from its moorings as fierce winds from Typhoon Nesat battered Hong Kong.

Hundreds of disgruntled commuters were thrown into confusion after being stranded at the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan on Thursday as Typhoon Nesat swept past the city.