Hong Kong, South China Halt Container Handling for Typhoon Yagi

Container terminals in Hong Kong and southern China paused operations yesterday, September 5, as Super Typhoon Yagi neared.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the No. 8 storm signal, expected to remain in effect until September 6. Classified as a mature typhoon, Yagi has prompted school closures and a halt to outdoor activities, with several domestic ferry services also suspended.

Yagi, named after the Japanese word for goat and Capricorn, is forecasted to pass 300 km (186 miles) southwest of Hong Kong tonight and into tomorrow morning.

According to the observatory, "Gales associated with Yagi are set to edge closer to the Pearl River Estuary later today. Local winds will strengthen further and weather will deteriorate."

In response to the storm, Yantian International Container Terminal announced via WeChat that it halted the handling of empty containers as of 3 a.m. local time, although loaded containers are still being accepted. 

Several terminals in Hong Kong, including Container Terminals 4, 6, and 7, as well as COSCO-HIT Terminal and Asia Container Terminals, ceased all container deliveries at noon today.