Typhoon Saola: China issues highest warning as storm approaches Hong Kong and Guangdong

Winds reaching 209km/h recorded as major train lines suspended ahead of typhoon's expected arrival on Friday

China has issued the highest typhoon warning as Typhoon Saola crawled closer to the south-eastern coastline, threatening Hong Kong and other major manufacturing hubs in neighbouring Guangdong province.

Chinese forecasters issued a typhoon red warning at 6am on Thursday. China's National Meteorological Centre said Saola, which lies about 295km (183 miles) south-east of Guangdong province, will move north-west across the South China Sea at a speed of about 10km/h (6mph), gradually approaching the coast of Guangdong, then slowly weaken in intensity.