7th September 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Observatory has announced that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 will be raised at 9.20pm today, and is expected to remain in effect until at least 11am tomorrow. In light of this weather alert, the Education Bureau has declared the suspension of classes for all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergarten-cum-child care centres for tomorrow. Further details regarding evening school operations will be provided later.
Forecasts indicate that Tropical Storm Tapah is approaching the western coast of Guangdong, with local winds expected to strengthen. The Observatory will issue a “Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement” prior to the signal’s enforcement, approximately two hours in advance. Tapah is predicted to pass within 200 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong around sunrise tomorrow, making landfall over western Guangdong.
In response to the impending storm, various transport services have announced operational adjustments. Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Long Win Bus services will cease operations at 11.20pm tonight, while Citybus will suspend services at 11.30pm. No overnight services will be available. The MTR, however, will continue to operate normally until the end of service.
As of 7pm, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Shuttle Bus will run its final services, with the last bus from Hong Kong to Macau departing at 8pm and the last return bus leaving Macao at 9pm. The last bus to Zhuhai will depart at 10pm.
Ferry services have also been affected, with the Star Ferry halting operations between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, as well as between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui from 11pm onwards. Sun Ferry has adjusted its schedules for inter-island services, with specific routes operating their last departures earlier in the evening.
Hong Kong Express has cancelled ten flights scheduled for tomorrow, including routes to Nha Trang, Takamatsu, and more. Affected passengers are advised to check their email for details regarding flight rescheduling and terms.
The Observatory has confirmed that Tropical Storm Tapah continues to move steadily across the northern South China Sea, and local wind conditions will gradually intensify. The decision to raise the warning signal is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
A government spokesperson emphasised that the Tropical Cyclone Warning is an essential protocol and that all relevant departments are closely monitoring the situation. The priority remains the safety of residents and visitors, with ongoing assessments of potential risks associated with the storm.