Typhoon Kai-Tak brushed by Hong Kong giving the city barely a nudge on Thursday night and Friday morning.

The Hong Kong Observatory replaced the No 8 Southeast Storm Signal, issued at 10:15 pm on Thursday, with a No 3 Strong Wind Signal at 6:20 am on Friday morning. The typhoon disrupted public transportation services in the New Territories.

Major bus company operators Citybus & New World First Bus cancelled their services at about 1 am on Friday. However, by 5 am, they announced five special routes to the airport were open and other routes began operations from 6:30 am.

Ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao, which was halted after the No 8 signal was issued, also resumed service at about 6:30 am. The MTR resumed normal operations. Other public transport gradually resumed normal.

Many employees woke up this morning disappointed as they found Typhoon Kai Tak moving away from Hong Kong faster than expected. Some of them had to hurry to get to work on time.

There were six reports of tree damage but none of flooding or landslides.

Officials say 159 people sought refuge in 24 temporary shelters opened by the Home Affairs Department.

The Airport Authority reported that from 10:15 pm on Thursday night to 6 am on Friday morning, 20 flight arrivals and 14 departures were delayed, while four arrivals and two departure were cancelled.

According to the Hospital Authority, as at 6 am, a 56-year-old woman sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department at a public hospital. She was admitted and her condition was stable.

The typhoon weakened after making landfall at Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, at 12:30 am Friday. The observatory lowered the signal to the Standby Signal, No 1 at 3:20 pm. Then at 4:25 pm, it cancelled all signals.

fanfeifei@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 08/18/2012 page1)