HKO May Replace No. 8 Signal In Afternoon

The Observatory unexpectedly issued the storm signal number 8 at 6.40 am on Saturday, saying it may be replaced with a number 3 signal in the afternoon.

With tropical storm Lionrock heading away from Hong Kong over Hainan Island, the number 8 signal had been something of an outside chance. But with local winds strengthening further - due to the combined effect of Lionrock and the north-east monsoon - the Observatory, just before dawn, warned that it would replace the number 3 signal with the number 8, no later than 6.40 am.

The Observatory warned that storm surges could cause flooding in low-lying areas, and warned the public to take precautions and to stay away from the shoreline.

It also advised the public to refrain from water sports and to take precautions against strong winds.

The strong wind signal number 3 had been force since 4.40 am on Friday with gusts and rain from Lionrock battering Hong Kong.

On Friday morning, one worker died after scaffolding collapsed in Happy Valley.

The Observatory said that as of 11am Lionrock was centred about 550 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, and is forecast to move slowly northwest.

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