Shenzhen, metropolis of China (south) neighboring Hong Kong, announced today that it is closing offices, shops and markets in the city, in view of the arrival of typhoon Shaola.

The city of 17.7 million inhabitants decided to “close offices, shops and markets from 16:00 [σ.σ. τοπική ώρα· 11:00 ώρα Ελλάδας]” and the “suspension of transport from 19:00 [14:00]», according to a statement from the disaster management agency, which warned that the “super typhoon” Shaola may bring a “severe storm” to the metropolis.

The authorities called the citizens to stay in their homeswhile they assured that all available shelters will be opened.

The authorities in Shenzhen had already announced yesterday that schools would not be open today.

Shaola may make landfall in southern China on Friday night or Saturday morning [τοπικές ώρες]along the coast of Guangdong province, according to the China National Meteorological Service.

Earlier today, authorities in the international financial center of Hong Kong also announced that the stock market and schools would be closed, while both aircraft arrivals and departures would be canceled due to the extreme weather.

Wind speeds reached 205 kilometers per hour when it was about 230 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong at around 08:00 [03:00 ώρα Ελλάδας].

South China is often hit by typhoons that form in the warm waters east of the Philippines in summer and autumn and move westward.