Hong Kong’s weather forecaster issued typhoon signal No. 3 at 12:20 pm on Saturday as Tropical Cyclone Matmo is edging closer to the city.

"Make sure objects likely to be blown away are securely fastened or taken indoors," the Hong Kong Observatory said in a bulletin at 12:23 pm, advising people to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, which means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour are expected, will remain in force at least until 10 pm on Saturday. It replaces Standby Signal, No. 1, issued at 7:40 on Friday evening.

READ MORE: Unsettled weather forecast as Tropical Cyclone Matmo nears HK

According to the HKO forecast, Matmo will intensify progressively and move towards the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula.

With the storm edging closer, local winds are strengthening gradually. Locally, it will become cloudy with a few squally showers and thunderstorms on Saturday.

Cautioning that there will be more showers gradually and seas will be rough with swells, the HKO said squally showers associated with Matmo are affecting the northern part of the South China Sea.

ALSO READ: Observatory: HK could see up to eight typhoons this year

Depending on the intensity of Matmo, its distance from the Pearl River Estuary, and the change in local wind conditions, the observatory will assess the need to issue higher tropical cyclone warning signals Saturday night.

The tropical cyclone comes less than two weeks after storm Ragasa lashed Hong Kong with super typhoon wind force, prompting the authorities to issue the highest typhoon alert – Hurricane Signal No. 10.

READ MORE: HK in recovery mode after Ragasa onslaught

At least 101 people were hurt, many parts of the city were submerged due to flooding, schools and businesses were closed down, and flights were suspended for 36 hours during the Sept 24 typhoon.