Hong Kong Raises Typhoon Alert, Cancels School Classes

The Hong Kong Observatory heightened its hurricane alert to T8 on Sunday as Typhoon Koinu approached, prompting the cancellation of school classes and flight disruptions in the city, where winds have reached speeds of 63 kph (40 mph) or more.

This alert was issued at 12:40 p.m. local time [04:40 GMT].

"The No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal is now in effect. This indicates the anticipation of winds with mean velocities exceeding 63 kilometers per hour from the northeast direction. At 5 p.m., Typhoon Koinu was positioned about 70 kilometers south of the Hong Kong Observatory," as reported by the observatory.

Due to the alert level issued, the Hong Kong Education Bureau has suspended school classes.

"Schools are advised to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students," stated the bureau.

Local media earlier noted that the typhoon had disrupted flights to and from the city's airport.

As of Sunday morning, a minimum of 70 flights to or from Hong Kong had been canceled, according to the report.