Hong Kong is bracing for major disruption all day Wednesday with air travel chaos.
Weather chiefs issued a signal 10 storm warning for tropical storm Hato, its highest weather warning.
It was forecast to skirt past Hong Kong within 30km, although it churned up waters in Victoria Harbour and the city was largely deserted as people hunkered down to ride out the storm.
It has forced numerous flight cancellations and severe delays.
Most Hong-Kong bound Cathay Pacific flights from Europe and North America were cancelled or held at their departure points and retimed to miss the storm.
That caused delays of about 12 hours for many long haul services.
We strongly advise customers to amend their travel plans if possible in order to avoid disappointment," Cathay said in a message on its website.
Cathay Pacific Airways and sister airline Cathay Dragon will waive fees for rebooking or rerouting for all flight amendments on or before August 24.
Hong Kong Airlines said it would also offer free changes for affected customers.
Hong Kong’s TVB News reported at least 420 flights were cancelled.
The busy ferry crossing linking Hong Kong with Macau was also suspended.
Authorities said the financial markets, schools, and non-essential government services will remain closed until the storm warning goes below signal 8.
