Originally Posted by Gruntfuttock:
In the last 15 years no typhoon has taken out electricity or water in urban areas.
There has been some flooding in low-lying areas of Sheung Wan and Wan Chai (and much more extensive flooding in low-lying areas of the NTs), but a major drainage scheme has been commissioned within the last year, so there's unlikely to be any significant flooding now in HK Island or core Kowloon.
No preparations needed unless you have a roof or terrace, in which case you need to get everything loose either indoors or tied down very hard.
Typhoon and Stormies have free shooters whilst the T8 or higher is up. Most larger shops will stay open (possibly with reduced hours if staff have transport difficulties), as will most 7-11s, Circle-K etc (likewise depending on staff transport). Many bars & restaurants basically stay open as normal.
The core MTR (i.e. the underground bits) will stay running at reduced frequency. The overground bits will run until wind strengths get too high (or trees are brought down on power cables etc). Ferries will stop around the time that a T8 is raised - if this matters to you then watch for specific announcements on the ferry company websites. Bus and minibus services will be wound down as wind speeds increase. Taxis will be reduced in number and will haggle for a "T8 surcharge" before accepting fares. There may be some disruption to roads due to trees down.