The Hong Kong Observatory issued a tropical cyclone warning signal No. 8 at 2:30 p.m. (0630 GMT), the first of its kind in three years, advising the public to return home immediately and closed all of the city's schools.

Trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was suspended at 2:45 p.m. (0645 GMT) due to the cyclone warning, only 15 minutes after the trading was resumed in the afternoon session and one hour and 15 minutes earlier than usual.

By 9 p.m. (1300 GMT) tropical storm Pabuk was centered about90 kilometers west of the Hong Kong Observatory but the tropical cyclone warning signal was still in force in the city.

There have been no reports of casualty by the press time.

Under hours of the tropical storm Pabuk's battering, maximum winds of 90 kilometers per hour were measured in the territory, with gusts of up to 111 kilometers per hour, according to the observatory.

As at 9 p.m. (1300 GMT)), the Home Affairs Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has opened 26 temporary shelters in various districts for 198 people in need of refuge during the passage of tropical storm Pabuk.

While the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Highways Department have received a total of 33 reports of fallen tress and trunks. There has been no flooding and landslide report so far.

Thousands of people rushing for home once jammed the subway station in Central and a couple of people were reported to pass out when waiting for the train. Long queues were also formed outside bus stops until dusk.

Both the MTR and KCR, two of Hong Kong subway or railway public transporters, have strengthened train services to cope with the upsurge in demand. The Peak Tram, which is a must for visitors coming to Hong Kong, has also stopped service and the frequency of trams has been reduced to 8-minute interval.

Apart from some suspended routes, bus services have been enhanced. However, all ferry services have been suspended because of heavy sea.

Service at the Hong Kong International Airport remains normal by the press time but the airport authority urged passengers to inquire relevant airlines for the update of the flight information.

Hong Kong Observatory said gale force winds and heavy rain are expected on Saturday but the winds would weaken later in the weekend.