Macao's public transportation halted as Typhoon Utor nears

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Macao's public transportation was suspended Wednesday morning as Typhoon Utor headed towards south China, prompting local meteorological authorities to hoist the typhoon signal No. 8.

Macao's Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau issued the typhoon signal No. 8 at 5:00 a.m. local time. The bureau said the center of Typhoon Utor was estimated to be about 220 km southwest of Macao at 10:00 a.m. local time, moving at an average wind speed of 15 km per hour toward the west coast of China's Guangdong province.

As No.8 signal was hoisted, local traffic authorities reacted this morning to close the island city's three sea-crossing bridges, but a tunnel in one of the bridges was opened so that land traffic between the Macao Peninsula and the Taipa Island remain relatively unimpeded.

All schools have been closed Wednesday morning, and services of most public department have been suspended, except for emergency departments.

Due to the severe weather condition, ferry services between Macao and Hong Kong and several ports in Guangdong province were suspended, stranding about 40 visitors at local harbor till 7:30 a. m. local time. Local bus operators also suspended the city's bus services after the No.8 signal was hoisted.

Meanwhile, more than 50 arrival or departure flights have been delayed or canceled till 3:00 a.m. local time, according to information from Macao International Airport.

• 35 flights cancelled, 16 delayed affected by Utor
• People trapped by typhoon rescued in S China
• Red wave alert issued as Typhoon Utor nears
• Typhoon Utor disrupts S China transport

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