Hong Kong brought to halt by Super Typhoon Saola

Saola expected to be strongest storm in five years to hit southern China

A girl in Hong Kong reads a book at a bookstore, where windows are taped in anticipation of typhoon Saola on Aug. 31. © Reuters

PAK YIU, Nikkei staff writer

September 1, 2023 13:17 JST

Updated on September 1, 2023 22:41 JST

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong was brought to an effective standstill on Friday with businesses shut and the stock exchange suspended as super typhoon Saola edged closer to the financial hub.

Authorities issued their highest tropical storm warning on Friday evening as hurricane-force winds of nearly 120 kilometers per hour lashed out and heavy downpours flooded parts of the territory.