Typhoon Mangkhut: Hong Kong issues its most severe typhoon warning

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02:54

Hong Kong issued its most severe typhoon warning as Typhoon Mangkhut battered the city with wind, waves, and rain. Residents dug in for a nerve-racking day in the path of the most intense storm the world has seen so far this year. CGTN's Li Jiejun has more.

Over the course of Sunday morning, weather in Hong Kong deteriorated significantly. Winds strengthened abruptly with frequent heavy rain and squalls. The seas were rough with swells.

LI JIEJUN HONG KONG "I'm now at the Central Pier. Behind me is the Victoria Harbour. The wave and surges are huge. The Hong Kong Observatory just issued No. 10 typhoon signal. That's the highest in the warning system."

Bus, tram and ferry services in the city have all been suspended.

Around 900 flights were canceled at Hong Kong's international airport Sunday, affecting about 100,000 passengers.

Heavy rain and the surging tide caused flooding and a backflow of seawater in low-lying coastal areas.

Dozens of trees were toppled by the powerful winds.

At the waterfront of Heng Fa Chuen on the east of Hong Kong island, a meter-high wall of sandbags built by the government was quickly washed apart by rough waves.

Some people living in this area are worried about a repeat of a situation last year when the estate's underground parking was submerged in the wake of flooding caused by Typhoon Hato.

LI JIEJUN HONG KONG "The wind is strong. The sea level is more than 2 meters higher than normal as the strongest typhoon this year is roaring towards the city."

Hong Kong residents were prepared for the worst as the typhoon approached. Windows have been taped up in many people's homes. But in the face of Mangkhut's unforgiving winds, they remain a fragile barrier.

"The whole window pane is broken. Fragments are everywhere on floor and on the bed. I'm shocked that the wind is so strong."

The typhoon will pass by Hong Kong within about 100 kilometers, with the city narrowly dodging a direct hit. But the storm's impact is still massive.

Analysts say the bad weather will continue until Monday afternoon. The government has opened more than 40 temporary shelters for people to take refuge in. And over 1000 people living in low-lying areas have been evacuated. The Hong Kong Observatory is urging people to stay in a safe place and avoid any outdoor activities.

LJJ, CGTN, HK.