This screenshot from the official website of Hong Kong Observatory shows the forecast track of tropical cyclone Saudel.

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory said the Standby Signal No. 3 would remain in force Friday night and Saturday morning under the impact of tropical cyclone Saudel.

Despite Saudel is gradually departing from Hong Kong, its associated gale force winds are still affecting the northeastern part of the South China Sea, the Hong Kong Observatory said in its latest weather bulletin. 

READ MORE: HKO lowers typhoon signal over Hong Kong to No. 3

Saudel was closest to Hong Kong Friday evening, skirting about 500 kilometers to the south of the territory, the observatory said. It issued the typhoon signal No. 3 early Friday morning.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

ALSO READ: Observatory set to raise typhoon signal No. 8 over HK

According to the Education Bureau, classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are suspended Friday.