Hong Kong Shuts Down as Typhoon Haima Strikes

Typhoon Haima made landfall early this afternoon in Hong Kong, as China braces for the typhoon to hit.

Earlier today, a Number 8 storm alert — the third highest level — was issued in Hong Kong, which effectively shut the city down for the day. More than 700 flights in and out of the city were either canceled or delayed this morning and roads were empty as offices and schools across the city were shut in preparation for the storm. Ferry services have also been suspended, though the city's metro system is partially operating.

Meanwhile, Shenzhen's Metro has partially shut down in preparation for the storm, which is expected to move north towards Hangzhou over the weekend.

Haima, which was originally categorized as a super typhoon when it hit the Philippines on Wednesday, was downgraded to a regular typhoon as wind speeds dropped from 200 kilometers per hour to 145.

Keep an eye out here for the latest storm updates.

[Images via Daily Mail]