As the powerful Typhoon Dujuan approaches Hong Kong, local flights and school classes were suspended on Tuesday to prepare for the stormy weather.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, at 0002 GMT, typhoon Dujuan was centered about 380 kilometers east of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 35 kilometers per hour towards the coast of Guangdong province.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it has raised a strong wind signal number three by midday and could raise a number eight warning later as Typhoon Dujuan is coming directly to the city.

Under the number eight signal, all schools and many business activities will be closed.

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific said it is going to stop all the traffic later Tuesday. Dragonair said it "may have other flights canceled later today."

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2003)