Hong Kong issues storm warning signal No. 8 as Super Typhoon Ragasa nears

Southern Chinese cities, including Hong Kong, are bracing for Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms in years, after it left at least three people dead and thousands displaced in the Philippines.

Schools, Businesses, and Flights Shut Down

On Tuesday, authorities in Guangdong and nearby regions closed schools, suspended businesses, and canceled hundreds of flights as residents prepared for the typhoon’s landfall. In flood-prone neighborhoods, people stacked sandbags and reinforced doors, while others taped glass windows to guard against powerful winds.

Local markets reported panic buying, with food and essential supplies selling out quickly. Despite warnings, some Hong Kong residents gathered along the city’s promenade to watch waves reaching 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 9.8 feet) before conditions worsened.

A departure board displays flight cancellations at Hong Kong International Airport, as Super Typhoon Ragasa disrupts travel, in Hong Kong, China, September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Edmond Ng

Storm’s Strength and Forecast Path

The Hong Kong Observatory reported that Super Typhoon Ragasa is packing maximum sustained winds of 220 kph (137 mph) near its center, moving west-northwest at 22 kph (14 mph) across the northern South China Sea.

According to China’s National Meteorological Center, the storm is expected to make landfall between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang in Guangdong province on Wednesday between midday and evening.

Hong Kong Issues Storm Signal No. 8

Hong Kong’s observatory issued storm warning signal No. 8, the city’s third-highest alert. The classification of “super typhoon” applies to storms with sustained winds exceeding 185 kph (115 mph), prompting heightened public vigilance.

A large waves breaks behind a lifeguard tower at a beach as Super Typhoon Ragasa moved towards Hong Kong on September 23, 2025. Hong Kong shut schools and cancelled flights on September 23 as Super Typhoon Ragasa was set to slam into the financial centre with a force that officials warned would be among the most destructive in the city's recent history. (Photo by Dale DE LA REY / AFP)

The storm surge is forecast to raise water levels by around 2 meters (6.5 feet) on Wednesday morning, with some areas experiencing peaks of 4 to 5 meters (13.1 to 16.4 feet) above the city’s lowest tide levels.

Risk of Economic Losses Similar to Past Typhoons

Authorities warned that storm surge levels could rival those of Typhoon Hato (2017) and Typhoon Mangkhut (2018), which caused economic losses exceeding HK$1 billion ($154 million) and HK$4.6 billion ($590 million) respectively.

Residents Urged to Stay Alert

With Super Typhoon Ragasa approaching, officials urged residents to avoid coastal areas, stay indoors, and follow government safety advisories.