Number 3 Signal Issued As Ewiniar Edges Closer

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Strong Wind Signal Number 3 on Thursday lunchtime as Tropical Cyclone Ewiniar edged closer to the SAR.

But forecasters said a number 8 signal was unlikely during the day, as the storm would not come that close to the city.

The rainbands associated with Ewiniar were bringing heavy rain to Hong Kong and the Observatory said the region would see showers for the next couple of days.

The Observatory had earlier said that the number 3 signal was to be issued around 2pm, but advanced the timing to 12.40pm.

Kindergartens and schools for disabled children had already been suspended, prompting many parents to rush to schools to take their children home.

Ferry services between Discovery Bay and Mui Wo, and between Tuen Mun, Tung Chung, Sha Lo Wan and Tai O were suspended.

At 4pm, Ewiniar was estimated to be about 300 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong and was forecast to move north or north-northeast at about 10 kilometres per hour towards the coast of western Guangdong.

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