HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 during the daytime on Saturday, with Wipha, a tropical cyclone, gathering strength gradually.
“According to the present forecast, the typhoon will enter within 800 kilometers of Hong Kong around midnight tonight (Friday night). The observatory will issue the Standby Signal, No. 1 by then,” the forecaster said in a 4 pm bulletin.
Wipha is expected to intensify progressively and edge closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Saturday and Sunday.
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On Saturday, winds will strengthen gradually and showers will be heavy with squally thunderstorms, the HKO said, adding that it will consider issuing the signal No. 3 during the day.
According to the observatory, Wipha will be rather close to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Sunday, and expected to skirt around 50 kilometers from Hong Kong.
“The weather will be adverse on Sunday with heavy squally showers and thunderstorms. Seas will be very rough with swells,” it said, advising people to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
Depending on the distance between Wipha and the Pearl River Estuary, the intensity of Wipha and the change in local winds, the HKO will assess the need of issuing higher tropical cyclone warning signals at first on Sunday.
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On Friday morning, the HKO warned of flooding as showers and thunderstorms were affecting the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary with Wipha edging closer to the city.
The amber rainstorm warning signal, which was issued at 11:15 am, was cancelled at 1 pm. “Though the rainstorm warning has been cancelled, people should stay alert to the danger that may be brought about by river flooding,” it said in a 1:05 pm bulletin.
Heavy rain in Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan districts may cause serious flooding, the forecaster said, adding that the rains might cause flash floods in some areas.
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“There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas,” it said, advising people who are likely to be affected to take necessary precautionary measures and to stay away from watercourses.
Drivers should beware that there are likely to be serious road flooding and traffic congestion, it added.
