Macao's public transportation were suspended Monday night, as Typhoon Koppu edged closer to the island city, prompting local meteorological authorities to hoist the typhoon signal No. 8.

Macao's Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau issued the typhoon signal No. 8 at 8:30 p.m. local time, and the center of Typhoon Koppu was estimated to be about 130 km southeast of Macao at 21:00 p.m. local time, moving at an average wind speed of 16 kmper hour toward the west coast of China's Guangdong province.

Due to the severe weather condition, ferry services between Macao and Hong Kong, and several ports in Guangdong province were suspended, stranding many visitors at local harbor. Local bus operators also suspended the city's bus services after the No.8 signal was hoisted.

Meanwhile, local flagship airline Air Macao cancelled six flights which were originally scheduled to depart from or arrive at the Macao International Airport tonight, and similar arrangements were also announced by other airlines at the airport.

Bad weather also forced local traffic authorities to close the island city's three sea-crossing bridges, but a tunnel in one of the bridges was opened so that land traffic between the Macao Peninsula and the Taipa island remain relatively unimpeded.

Local authorities also opened several public facilities from which the homeless can seek shelter during the typhoon period.