Typhoon hits Britain's training camp in Macau as Beijing Games approach

Metal railings were blown over during the tropical storm in Hong Kong

However Team GB spokesman Graham Newsom said that its contingency plans were working and it was having little effect on the athletes.

'It's not a huge issue, it was within our contingency plans. It was something that was accounted for,' said Newsom.

'We're making the best use of the indoor facilities and some sports have decided to use this as a rest day so they have shuffled their schedules a little bit.

'We're all very comfortable and we've been resourceful in our thinking.'

The morning equestrian session was cancelled although Saturday's start is not thought to be in jeopardy as the storm is expected to weaken over the next couple of days.

'The reports I've had from the grooms that are down there said there is nothing untoward and the horses are fine," said Team GB equestrian spokeswoman Winnie Murphy.

'I haven't been to the venue as everything is locked down due to the typhoon but the way the stables work it is very enclosed and the horses are unlikely to hear anything outside.

'We have been told the typhoon will be downgraded to level three later this afternoon and if that is the case and we can still ride this evening then we won't really have lost anything training wise.

'The horses are all fit and as long as we can get into the arena tonight then everything should still be fine for starting as scheduled this weekend.'

Heptathlete Kelly Sotherton insisted she was also not unduly concerned by the situation.

'You can't do anything about it but it's something that happens and affects everybody. I'm not too bothered about it because I could do with the day off,' she told BBC Radio Five Live.

'We can't leave the hotel because when there's a typhoon at this Level 8 all the transport is cancelled, so unfortunately we are all holed up in a hotel.

'It's similar to a hurricane and it's not as bad as it has been but it's torrential rain and high winds. We are right by the coast so the sea is very rough.'

However, athletes coming into the training camp from Britain have been forced to temporarily alter their travel plans as a consequence of the weather.

'Athletes that are flying in tonight have been booked into accommodation in Hong Kong overnight,' Newsom added

'We're hopeful of getting some athletes out tonight up to Beijing but if not, they'll go tomorrow.'