Observatory Issues Standby Signal Number 1

The Observatory on Tuesday morning issued the standby typhoon signal number one at 3.40 am.

At 4 am, the tropical depression was estimated to be about 520 kilometres east-southeast of Hong Kong (near 19.8 degrees north 118.4 degrees east).

It is forecast to move west-northwest at about 28 kilometres per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea towards the vicinity of the coast of western Guangdong to Hainan Island.

A statement on the Observatory's website said that according to the current forecast track, the tropical depression will skirt within about 200 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Local winds are expected to strengthen gradually later on Tuesday, and seas will be rough with swells.

The Observatory said it would consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No 3 on Tuesday afternoon or evening.