HONG KONG – Typhoon Hongxia churned toward the Pearl River Delta on Tuesday, prompting Hong Kong’s Observatory to hoist the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal and forcing emergency contingency plans for a major pop concert series by Canto-pop sensation Ian Chan.
The Observatory upgraded the warning at 1:20 p.m. local time, citing the storm’s intensification and northward track. Meteorologists warned that if Hongxia makes landfall close to the territory or develops a broad gale-force wind field, a higher tropical cyclone warning—potentially the No. 8 signal—could be issued later Tuesday evening or overnight.
The city’s entertainment sector scrambled to adapt as the storm approached. MakerVille, the production company behind Chan’s nine-show residency “IAN CHAN: GROWTH: LIVE 2026” at the Kai Tak Sports Park, announced early Tuesday on social media that it would follow the Observatory’s live updates to safeguard audiences and crew.
Concert Cancellation Policy Detailed
Under the company’s announced protocol, performances scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday will proceed as planned if the No. 3 signal remains in effect or is lowered before 4:23 p.m. on the day of the show. However, if the Observatory issues or publicly forecasts a No. 8 signal ahead of that same cutoff time, the corresponding evening concert will be canceled.
Should a black rainstorm warning be raised within four hours of a show’s scheduled start, the company asked ticket holders to monitor its official channels for further announcements.
MakerVille stated that any canceled shows would trigger a separate announcement about rescheduling or refunds, and urged fans to keep their tickets and follow the company’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as those of the fan club MIRO and the group MIRROR. “The organizer reserves the final right to make all performance arrangements,” the statement noted.
Star Reassures Fans Amid Uncertainty
Ian Chan, 31, a member of the chart-topping boy band MIRROR, addressed the brewing disruption directly on his Instagram Stories. “Regarding tonight’s concert and the No. 8 signal arrangement, I will update you as soon as possible,” he wrote early Tuesday. “We are actively handling it.”
The pop star’s nine-night run, which began Sunday at the newly opened Kai Tak venue, has drawn thousands of fans from across Asia. The uncertainty caused by the storm comes as Hong Kong’s live entertainment sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, with high-profile shows increasingly sensitive to weather disruptions.
Broader Implications
Typhoon Hongxia, which formed over the western Pacific last week, is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the region through Wednesday. The Observatory has advised residents to secure loose objects and avoid low-lying areas.
For concertgoers, the situation underscores the need for flexible planning during Hong Kong’s typhoon season, which runs from May to November. Industry experts recommend purchasing event insurance when available and monitoring official weather and organizer channels in the hours before any outdoor or large-scale indoor event.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, the Observatory had not issued a higher warning. MakerVille said it would provide updates by 4:30 p.m. each performance day. The coming hours will determine whether Chan’s show goes on—or weather forces an unscheduled intermission.
