Number 3 Signal Issued As Tropical Storm Edges Close

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Strong Wind Signal No 3 at 2:20pm, as Tropical Storm Higos edged closer to the city and gained strength.

The observatory said Higos is edging closer to the coastal line than expected, increasing the chances of stronger winds later in the day.

Senior Scientific Officer Kong Wai said Higos will be the closest to Hong Kong on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

At 2pm, Higos was around 280 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong. It is expected to intensify gradually, as it moves towards the coast of western Guangdong.

According to the present forecast, Higos is expected to skirt within 150km of Hong Kong by night and local winds are expected to pick up by evening.

Heavy showers are expected in the city and trips to Guangdong, Macau and other outlying islands may be affected, the observatory said.