August 31, 2023
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory said it will raise the typhoon signal No 3 later on Thursday as Super Typhoon Saola edged closer to the city.
The HKO issued the Standby Signal No 1 late on Wednesday afternoon with Saola expected to maintain a distance of over 300 kilometers from the territory on Wednesday night until Thursday morning.
As of 9 pm Wednesday, Saola was estimated to be about 580 kilometers east-southeast of Hong Kong and was forecast to move west-northwest at about 12 kilometers per hour
“The Standby Signal, No 1 will remain in force before noon (Thursday). There will be swells,” the Observatory said, advising members of the public to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
As of 9 pm Wednesday, Saola was estimated to be about 580 kilometers east-southeast of Hong Kong and was forecast to move west-northwest at about 12 kilometers per hour across the northeastern part of the South China Sea and towards the coast of eastern Guangdong.
“As Saola edges closer to the coast of eastern Guangdong, winds over the region will strengthen gradually,” the HKO said.
It added that there will be squally showers as the typhoon was expected to move closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Friday and Saturday.
The Observatory also urged members of the public to take note of the latest weather bulletin as Saola may be affected by the northeast monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Haikui, creating uncertainties about its track and intensity.