Warning as tropical storm approaches
Weather forecasters have warned people not to overlook the danger of waves and swells even though Tropical Storm Prapiroon is unlikely to hit Hong Kong directly.
The Observatory hoisted Standby Signal No1 at 12.10pm yesterday. At midnight, the centre of the storm was estimated to be about 560km south-southeast of Hong Kong and heading towards Hainan .
'It is moving west-northwest at a speed of 16km per hour. It is an average-sized storm,' said senior scientific officer Cheng Choi-ming.
While the chance of hoisting strong wind signal No 3 was slim, he said the weather would become unsettled.
'The wind will be stronger. There will also be occasional showers or even thunderstorms.'
The Observatory warned swimming in the sea or engaging in any water sports during storm conditions can be dangerous.
'We find people tend to neglect the danger when Standby Signal No1 is hoisted. There have been a few casualties associated with water sports when the signal has been raised.
'The potential danger of waves and swells is also great,' Mr Cheng said.
