HONG KONG, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Hong Kong authorities have raised the storm warning level as the city braces for a direct hit by Typhoon Dujuan, expected to be the strongest so far this year.
Thousands of people streamed out to catch ferries and buses before public transport was suspended.
If the typhoon continues its current course westwards, it is expected to hit Hong Kong at about midnight local time.
Winds in excess of 100 miles per hour are expected, the BBC reported.
The powerful typhoon has already lashed the southern tip of Taiwan, leaving a trail of debris and cutting electricity to more than 500,000 households. At least two people were killed.
Experts say that Hong Kong could be far more affected than Taiwan, as the city lies directly in the path of the storm.
In anticipation of the typhoon, the stock market closed and businesses sent staff home.
Air traffic was disrupted at Hong Kong International Airport, with 134 flights cancelled and 94 delayed, officials said.
