Typhoon brings strong winds to China coast

Pedestrians brave the strong winds in Central, the business center in Hong Kong Monday, July 23, 2012. Tropical storm Vicente has been upgraded to a typhoon after intensifying as it moves closer to the coast of Guangdong, Southern China. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

HONG KONG— A typhoon approaching China is bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Hong Kong, shutting down offices and bringing business to a standstill.

The Hong Kong Observatory on Tuesday raised the cyclone warning for the storm to the highest level, saying it had wind speeds of 118 kilometers per hour (73 miles per hour).

Planes grounded at the financial capital’s international airport were buffeted by the high winds Monday night. Passengers were told the conditions were expected to last several hours.

China’s official Xinhua News Agency said nine flights were canceled at Guangdong Province’s Zhuhai Airport Monday evening as heavy rain was already falling in the region. Train services in the region were rescheduled because of the storm.