Dhaka, July 20 -- Typhoon Wipha swept along the southern coast of China on Sunday, triggering major disruptions to air and rail travel in Hong Kong and surrounding cities.

Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macao canceled or delayed all daytime flights, according to official websites. Some high-speed train services in the region were also suspended as the storm intensified.

The Hong Kong Observatory raised its highest alert level, Hurricane Signal No. 10, as the eye of the typhoon passed just south of the city around midday. Maximum sustained winds reached 140 kilometers (87 miles) per hour.

Authorities reported that more than 200 people sought refuge in public shelters. Dozens of fallen trees were reported across the city, a...