Typhoon Nuri on course for possible direct Hong Kong hit

HONG KONG, Aug 22 (Reuters) - A typhoon that killed four
people in the Philippines is heading towards Hong Kong and may
hit the city dead-on if it continues along its current track,
said the Hong Kong Observatory.

The tropical cyclone signal No. 8 was hoisted at 7.40 a.m.
Hong Kong time (2340 GMT) as typhoon Nuri approached after
wreaking a path of destruction in the northern Philippines.

Howling winds swept across the city early on Friday, with
winds of over 63 kilometres per hour recorded and white tipped
waves churning in Victoria harbour.

The city was expected to grind to a standstill, with the
suspension of financial markets and offices, along with schools
and most public transport services.

The typhoon won't affect the city's hosting of Olympics
equestrian events however, with the last showjumping event having
been completed late last night as the weather began to worsen.

Several airlines have already made announcements to cancel
afternoon flights given the likely deterioration of the weather.

(Reporting by Donny Kwok and James Pomfret; Editing by David
Fox)