Hong Kong, September 23, 2025 – Hong Kong is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, a powerful tropical cyclone that has prompted the city to issue its third-highest storm warning signal, the T8 signal, as authorities urge residents to take immediate precautions. With winds exceeding 185 kilometers per hour (115 miles per hour) near its center, Ragasa has been classified as a super typhoon, one of the most severe categories of tropical storms. As the city prepares for potential widespread disruption, schools, businesses, and public services have been suspended, and residents are hunkering down to weather the storm.
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) raised the Typhoon Signal No. 8 (T8) at 6:20 a.m. local time on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, signaling gale or storm-force winds across the territory. This marks the first T8 issuance of the 2025 typhoon season, underscoring the severity of Ragasa’s approach. The HKO has warned that the signal could be escalated to T10, the highest level in Hong Kong’s storm warning system, if the typhoon intensifies or its trajectory shifts closer to the city. Such a move would indicate hurricane-force winds and pose significant risks to infrastructure, transportation, and public safety.
The Path and Power of Super Typhoon Ragasa
Super Typhoon Ragasa formed in the western Pacific Ocean earlier this month and rapidly intensified as it moved northwest toward southern China. By Monday evening, September 22, 2025, the storm had reached super typhoon status, with sustained winds of over 240 kilometers per hour (149 miles per hour) at its peak, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The HKO reported that Ragasa was approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, moving west-northwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour (12 miles per hour). Forecasts indicate that the typhoon is likely to make landfall along the Guangdong coast, potentially affecting Hong Kong directly or indirectly as it skirts the region.
The storm’s immense power is driven by warm sea surface temperatures in the South China Sea, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, which has fueled the intensity of tropical cyclones in recent years. Meteorologists have noted that Ragasa’s structure is particularly formidable, with a well-defined eye surrounded by a robust eyewall, characteristics typical of a super typhoon capable of causing significant destruction. The HKO has warned of heavy rainfall, storm surges, and destructive winds, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and urban centers.
Hong Kong’s Response: A City on Lockdown
In response to the escalating threat, Hong Kong authorities have taken swift action to mitigate risks. The issuance of the T8 signal triggered the closure of schools, with classes canceled across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. Businesses, including offices, retail stores, and restaurants, have also shut down, with only essential services such as hospitals, emergency response units, and certain public utilities remaining operational. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) suspended trading for the day, a decision aligned with the city’s typhoon protocols, which prioritize public safety during severe weather events.
Public transportation has been heavily disrupted, with the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) operating on a limited schedule and bus services largely suspended. Ferry services, a critical link between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the outlying islands, have been halted, stranding commuters and travelers. Hong Kong International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, announced the cancellation of over 150 flights by Tuesday morning, with further disruptions expected as the storm approaches. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight statuses and avoid non-essential travel to the airport.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and avoid coastal areas where storm surges could pose life-threatening risks. The HKO has advised reinforcing windows and doors, stocking up on essential supplies, and preparing for potential power outages. Emergency shelters have been opened across the city to accommodate vulnerable populations, including the elderly, homeless, and those living in flood-prone areas. The Hong Kong government has deployed additional police and fire services to respond to emergencies, while the Drainage Services Department is working to clear stormwater drains to mitigate flooding risks.
The Human and Economic Impact of Typhoon Ragasa
The approach of Super Typhoon Ragasa has sparked widespread concern among Hong Kong’s 7.5 million residents, many of whom are still reeling from the impacts of previous typhoons. The city’s dense urban environment, characterized by towering skyscrapers and sprawling infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable to high winds and flooding. Low-lying areas such as Tai O, a historic fishing village, and parts of the New Territories are at heightened risk of inundation due to storm surges and heavy rainfall.
For businesses, the temporary shutdown represents a significant economic hit. Hong Kong, a global financial hub, relies heavily on its stock exchange, port operations, and retail sector, all of which have been disrupted by the storm. Small and medium-sized enterprises, already strained by global economic uncertainties, face additional challenges as they grapple with lost revenue and potential damage to premises. The tourism industry, a key driver of Hong Kong’s economy, is also expected to take a hit, with hotels reporting cancellations and tourist attractions closing their doors.
The human toll of the storm remains a primary concern. While Hong Kong’s robust infrastructure and stringent building codes have historically mitigated the worst impacts of typhoons, the sheer intensity of Ragasa raises fears of injuries, property damage, and disruptions to daily life. Vulnerable communities, including low-income households and migrant workers, may face disproportionate challenges in accessing resources and recovering from the storm’s aftermath.
A History of Typhoons in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a long history of contending with typhoons, given its location in the typhoon-prone South China Sea. The city’s tropical cyclone warning system, established in 1884, is one of the oldest in the world and has evolved into a sophisticated framework for protecting residents. The T8 signal, which indicates gale or storm-force winds, is a familiar occurrence during the typhoon season, which typically runs from May to November. However, the issuance of a T10 signal, signaling hurricane-force winds, is rare and reserved for the most extreme storms.
One of the most devastating typhoons in Hong Kong’s history was Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which caused widespread destruction, uprooted thousands of trees, and led to significant economic losses. Mangkhut, also a super typhoon, served as a wake-up call for the city, prompting investments in infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness. Since then, Hong Kong has implemented measures such as reinforced sea walls, improved drainage systems, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to reduce the risks posed by tropical cyclones.
Despite these advancements, the increasing intensity and frequency of typhoons, driven by climate change, pose ongoing challenges. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for tropical storms, resulting in stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and more destructive storm surges. Scientists have warned that cities like Hong Kong, situated along vulnerable coastlines, must continue to adapt to a changing climate to protect lives and livelihoods.
Regional Impacts and Preparations
Beyond Hong Kong, Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to affect southern China, particularly the provinces of Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan. In Guangdong, home to major cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, authorities have issued red alerts, the highest level in China’s four-tier warning system. Over 1.2 million people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, and fishing vessels have been recalled to port. Schools and businesses in affected regions have also been closed, with transportation networks, including high-speed rail and air travel, facing widespread disruptions.
In the Philippines, where Ragasa passed as a tropical storm before intensifying, the cyclone caused significant damage in northern regions, including Cagayan and Isabela provinces. Heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flooding, displacing thousands of families and damaging crops and infrastructure. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Ragasa’s impacts were exacerbated by the southwest monsoon, which amplified rainfall in affected areas.
Taiwan, located to the northeast of Hong Kong, is also monitoring Ragasa closely. While the island is not expected to experience a direct hit, strong winds and heavy rain could affect eastern and southern regions. Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau has issued advisories for fishermen and coastal communities, urging them to take precautions against rough seas and potential flooding.
Climate Change and the Future of Typhoon Preparedness
The arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa has reignited discussions about the role of climate change in intensifying tropical cyclones. Scientists have noted that rising global temperatures, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, are contributing to more frequent and severe storms. In the Asia-Pacific region, where typhoons and hurricanes are a seasonal reality, cities like Hong Kong must contend with the dual challenges of urbanization and climate change.
Hong Kong has taken steps to bolster its resilience, including the development of sponge city initiatives to improve urban drainage and reduce flooding. The government has also invested in early warning systems, public education, and infrastructure upgrades to withstand extreme weather events. However, experts argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of climate change, including reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
On a regional level, cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific is critical for managing the impacts of typhoons. Initiatives such as the Typhoon Committee, a joint effort by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), aim to enhance forecasting, preparedness, and disaster response across the region. Hong Kong, as a member of the committee, plays a key role in sharing meteorological data and best practices with neighboring countries.
Voices from the Ground
As Hong Kong braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa, residents are taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their families. In Kowloon, shopkeepers have been seen boarding up windows and securing outdoor signage, while supermarkets report a surge in demand for bottled water, canned goods, and batteries. “We’ve been through typhoons before, but this one feels different,” said Mei-Ling Chan, a restaurant owner in Mong Kok. “The news keeps saying it’s a super typhoon, so we’re not taking any chances.”
In residential areas, community leaders are working to ensure that vulnerable residents, such as the elderly and disabled, have access to emergency supplies and transportation to shelters. Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with updates from residents sharing tips on storm preparation and real-time information about the typhoon’s progress. Posts on X reveal a mix of concern and resilience, with users urging one another to stay safe and remain vigilant.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
As Super Typhoon Ragasa bears down on Hong Kong, the city’s ability to weather the storm will depend on its preparedness, infrastructure, and the collective efforts of its residents. While the immediate focus is on ensuring safety and minimizing damage, attention will soon shift to recovery and rebuilding in the storm’s aftermath. The Hong Kong government has pledged to provide financial assistance and support to affected communities, with emergency funds allocated for infrastructure repairs and aid to businesses.
The long-term challenge for Hong Kong lies in balancing economic growth with climate resilience. As typhoons become more frequent and severe, the city must continue to invest in adaptive measures, from strengthening buildings to protecting natural ecosystems that serve as buffers against storms. Public awareness and community engagement will also play a crucial role in ensuring that Hong Kong remains a vibrant and resilient global city in the face of a changing climate.
For now, Hong Kong remains on high alert, with residents and authorities united in their efforts to navigate the challenges posed by Super Typhoon Ragasa. As the storm draws closer, the city stands ready to face its fury, drawing on its history of resilience and determination to emerge stronger on the other side.