T8 In Force As Nalgae Edges Closer

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal at 1.40pm on Wednesday, adding that the storm signal will remain in force before 10pm.

At 7pm,Tropical Storm Nalgae was estimated to be about 100 kilometres south-southeast of Hong Kong, and is forecast to move northwest at about 10 kilometres per hour edging closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary.

The observatory downgraded Nalgae from a severe tropical storm at 5pm.

“According to the latest forecast, Nalgae will edge closer to Hong Kong tonight as compared with the previous forecast and will skirt within 100 kilometres of Hong Kong. Under the influence of the rainbands associated with Nalgae, showers over the territory are expected to become more frequent tonight,” the weatherman said.

"Nalgae will weaken gradually. Whether the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal is maintained thereafter depends on the degree of weakening of Nalgae."

Most ferry and bus services have been suspended.

The MTR Corporation, meanwhile, said its services are now operating at limited frequencies.

The Education Bureau had earlier announced the suspension of all classes.

_____________________________