The Observatory warns Hongkongers to take precautions as Typhoon Nesat edges closer after leaving at least 23 people dead in the Philippines and causing severe floods in Manila.
Weather chiefs said Nesat was about 420 kilometres south of Hong Kong at midnight and forecast to move west-northwest at about 22km/h towards Hainan .
Acting senior scientific officer Leung Yin-kong said that according to the present forecast track, the typhoon would be closest to Hong Kong this morning, about 400 kilometres south-southwest of the city.
The No 1 standby signal was hoisted at 10.40pm on Tuesday and upgraded to a No 3 typhoon signal at 5.20pm yesterday. Winds are likely to strengthen further and the weather will deteriorate with heavy squally showers. 'There will be occasional strong winds over offshore waters and on high ground,' Leung said.
He said it would be windy with squally showers in the next few days.
The Observatory called for precautions against damage. 'Make sure that all loose objects are secure. Porch furniture, flower pots and other objects likely to be blown away should be taken indoors,' it said.