The Hong Kong Observatory on Monday issued the typhoon warning signal No 1 due to approaching Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong, adding that the T1 signal was expected to remain in place until noon on Tuesday.

The HKO issued the Standby Signal, No. 1 at 12:20 pm, with Fung-wong expected to maintain a distance of over 600 kilometers from Hong Kong on Monday before edging closer to the city in the next two days.  

“According to the present forecast, Fung-wong will turn northwards gradually over the northeastern part of the South China Sea, and will be closest to Hong Kong between tomorrow night and Wednesday at first, skirting about 400 kilometers or more to the east of Hong Kong,” the HKO said.

“Depending on the intensity change of Fung-wong, its distance from Hong Kong, the impact of the northeast monsoon on Fung-wong, and local wind conditions, the observatory will assess the need for issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No 3 or the Strong Monsoon Signal,” it added.

At 10 am, Fung-wong was centered about 460 kilometers southeast of Dongsha, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kph.

The observatory said the typhoon was forecast to move northwards towards the vicinity of Taiwan region, moving away from the city and weakening gradually under the influence of the northeast monsoon.

Under the combined effect of Fung-wong and the northeast monsoon, it will be windy and slightly cooler with swells over the coast of Guangdong in the next couple of days.

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The observatory said temperatures in urban areas will fall to around 20 degrees Celsius midweek this week, while the minimum temperature in Ta Kwu Ling in the New Territories could drop to 18 C on Thursday and Friday.

The observatory added that minor flooding may occur over some low-lying coastal areas on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, urging members of the public to pay attention to the latest weather updates.