Hong Kong has issued its highest storm warning in five years for Typhoon Nuri.
Trade on financial markets was halted on Friday, flights were delayed, schools and most offices closed and bus and ferry services suspended.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the level-nine storm signal for the first time since 2003 and warned people not to venture outdoors.
The observatory recorded hurricane-force winds of up to 120km/h and gusts of 150km/h, and warned of "very rough seas."
The South China Morning Post said authorities on the mainland had ordered the evacuation of 250,000 people from coastal areas in southern Guangdong province.
Olympic equestrian events staged in the city ended late on Thursday with the show-jumping final.
However, some competitors and horses due to fly out after the end of the event, were left stranded.
The British and Australian teams said some of their riders had their flights cancelled and the Danish team said three dressage horses and their grooms had been unable to leave.
Seven people were killed when Nuri hit the northern Philippines on Wednesday.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Nuri is the name of a blue-crowned parakeet in Malaysia.
