Observatory Increases Storm Signal To Number 9

The Hong Kong Observatory on Wednesday morning issued the increasing gale or storm signal number 9, as Severe Tropical Storm Higos edges closer to the city. Signal number 9 will remain in force for some time.

The observatory says Higos has intensified into a typhoon and adopted a track closer to Hong Kong and local winds may strengthen further overnight.

The amber rainstorm warning was issued at 11:20 pm on Tuesday evening.

Local wind direction is changing from northeast to southeast. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed. Winds will be higher over the western part of Hong Kong. Members of the public should stay on the alert.

There will be high seas with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

Owing to storm surge, some low-lying areas may have flooding or backflow of seawater in the morning.

At 1 am, Higos was centred about 90 kilometres south-southwest of Hong Kong (near 21.5 degrees north 113.9 degrees east) and is forecast to move northwest or west-northwest at about 20 kilometres per hour towards the coast of western Guangdong.

Members of the public are reminded to note the latest weather information before going out on Wednesday morning.

The Strong Wind Signal Number Three was issued at 2:20pm on Tuesday, and the signal was increased to number 8 at 10:40 pm.

According to a senior scientific officer of the observatory, Kong Wai, winds will moderate later on Wednesday, but there will still be occasional showers on Thursday.

Last updated: 2020-08-19 HKT 01:45