Tourists stand in front of taped walkway entrance glass doors in Hong Kong on Sept 1, 2023, hours before the arrival of Typhoon Saola. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONG KONG  - Hong Kong on Friday saw hundreds of flights canceled, transportation at a standstill, stock exchange trading suspended for the day and people evacuated, over eight hours into the Typhoon Signal No 8 brought on by Super Typhoon Saola. 

Flights in and out of Hong Kong after 2 pm on Friday were canceled, with a total of 366 grounded and about 40 delayed, according to the Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA). On Friday morning, long queues formed at airline check-in counters due to the numerous flight cancelations and delays. The HKAA advised passengers to check the latest flight information, including seat assignments and departure times, by contacting their respective airlines prior to heading to the airport.

READ MORE: Hong Kong braces for Typhoon Saola

An HKAA spokesperson said that it has taken steps to assist travelers by extending the operating hours of restaurants and convenience stores, as well as increasing food supplies.

A screen display shows "train services from Aug 31 to Sept 4 have been adjusted or canceled", at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station on Sept 1, 2023, as Super Typhoon Saola draws closer to Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

About 125 residents of Tai O, a flood-prone coastal village, have been listed for possible evacuation, while arrangements have been made for approximately 10 elderly with limited mobility to stay in shelters, according to Ho Siu-kei, the chairman of the Tai O Rural Committee

Currently, the Airport Express remains operational, while the bus service on Route S, connecting Tung Chung and the airport, is offering limited service, the spokesperson said.

The bus services on Routes A and E, connecting the airport with downtown, have been suspended. 

All daytime buses provided by bus operators KMB and Long Win, except for KMB B1, B9, and Long Win S1, S64, S64C, S64P, and S64X which are providing limited services, are suspended.

Also, the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal and China Ferry Terminal have been temporarily closed.

READ MORE: Super Typhoon Saola bears down on Guangdong province

MTR bus services are temporarily suspended, while train and light rail services will operate at a limited frequency on Friday.

The MTR Corporation is providing the following train services: Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Island Line, South Island Line, and Tuen Ma Line will run trains approximately every 10 minutes. 

Travelers are waiting at the West Kowloon Station on Sept 1, 2023, as Super Typhoon Saola draws closer to Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

The Tseung Kwan O Line will operate approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, while the Tung Chung Line and East Rail Line will run trains approximately every 10 to 20 minutes.

About 125 residents of Tai O, a flood-prone coastal village, have been listed for possible evacuation, while arrangements have been made for approximately 10 elderly with limited mobility to stay in shelters, according to Ho Siu-kei, the chairman of the Tai O Rural Committee. 

He mentioned that once the typhoon approaches, the remaining residents on the list will be reminded to evacuate to the shelters.

ALSO READ: HK battens down for Saola

Ho estimated the high tide may reach 4 meters, while the tidal level rose to 3.8 meters during Typhoon Mangkhut in September 2018. 

So far the Home Affairs Department has opened 34 temporary shelters where 188 people have sought refuge. 

The Observatory hoisted Typhoon No 8 Signal at 2:40 am on Friday. The flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai was subsequently canceled. Hong Kong Wetland Park and the Disneyland resort were also closed. Public services, such as immigration service, driving tests, vehicle examinations and public sports facilities were also suspended. 

Waves generated by Typhoon Saola break next to a lifeguard tower at a beach in Hong Kong on Sept 1, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has suspended trading for securities markets, including the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, as well as the derivatives market.

ALSO READ: HK buckles down for Super Typhoon Saola

As of 11 am Friday, the 1823 Government Call Centre had received two reports of fallen trees. The Drainage Services Department has received three confirmed flooding cases. No reports of landslide have been received so far. 

According to the Hospital Authority, as of 10:40 am Friday, one man has been injured during the typhoon and sought emergency medical treatment.

Macao also suspended the Hong Kong-Macao-Zhuhai Bridge shuttle buses running between the two special administrative regions. Macao will hoist Typhoon No 8 Signal at 2 pm on Friday as winds get stronger.