Typhoon Merbok moves away as Hong Kong escapes major damage

A man holds an umbrella during a torrential rain brought by tropical storm Merbok in Hong Kong, China on June 13, 2017. PHOTO: EPA
Commuters lining up for buses in Tsim Sha Tsui during a typhoon in Hong Kong, China on June 12, 2017. PHOTO: EPA
People looking on at a waterfront as typhoon Merbok moves near Hong Kong, China on June 12, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
A wedding couple braving strong winds as typhoon Merbok moves near Hong Kong, China on June 12, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

HONG KONG (REUTERS) - Typhoon Merbok spared Hong Kong any major damage as it pounded the financial hub with heavy rain and strong winds before moving further inland on Tuesday (June 13) towards southern China.

Financial markets, schools, businesses all resumed normal operations on Tuesday, a day after hundreds of thousands of workers scurried home early as authorities hoisted the No. 8 typhoon signal.

The No. 8 storm signal means that winds with mean speeds of 63kmh or above are expected, with gusts possibly topping 180kmh.

The Airport Authority said late on Monday that more than 41 flights had been cancelled and 275 were delayed.

Merbok made landfall on the eastern side of Mirs Bay before midnight and then headed across coastal Guangdong province.

Hong Kong lowered the storm signal to No. 3 early on Tuesday.

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