Typhoon Maysak set to trigger earliest Hong Kong storm signal since records began
Typhoon Maysak's approach likely to see the Observatory hoist standby signal No 1
The Observatory is poised to issue the earliest storm warning since records began on Sunday morning, as Typhoon Maysak churns towards the city.
The storm, which was on Friday passing across the eastern Philippine Sea, is expected to weaken into a tropical storm as it gets closer to Hong Kong tomorrow, according to the Observatory’s forecast on Friday.
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If, as expected, the storm passes within 800km of the city, the standby signal No1 will be hoisted. The earliest warning since the Observatory started keeping detailed records in 1946 came on April 9, 1967.
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Maysak developed as a severe typhoon, but had been downgraded to a typhoon by 8pm on Friday, by which time it was centred about 890km east of Manila.
The Observatory said Maysak was moving west or west-northwest at about 20km/h in the general direction of Luzon, and was weakening gradually.
It is expected to reach within 800km of Hong Kong on Sunday morning, and may pass within 500km on Monday, by which time it is expected to have weakened into a tropical depression.
The previous earliest typhoon warning was also a standby signal No 1, triggered by the approach of Typhoon Violet on April 9, 1967. The typhoon affected Hong Kong for 21 hours, though no higher warning signal was issued, the Observatory’s records show.
Typhoon signal No 8 is issued when persistent storm-force winds hit the city, prompting schools and businesses to close.
The Observatory said it would be hot, mainly cloudy with sunny periods today and tomorrow. Temperatures will be between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius.
The Observatory last week forecast that between four and seven typhoons would come within 500km of the city during this year’s storm season. Director Shun Chi-ming said this was “normal” and similar to last year’s total of four.
