Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2028496/hong-kong-observatory-ready-issue-standby-signal
Hong Kong/ Health & Environment

Hong Kong Observatory may issue signal No 3 as Typhoon Sarika edges closer

Storm moving across the South China Sea will bring winds and squally showers over next few days

The city enjoyed dry weather on Sunday despite the advancing storm. Photo: Sam Tsang

The Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing the No 3 signal on Monday morning as Typhoon Sarika approaches.

The Observatory said Sarika was moving across the South China Sea and expected it to bring windy weather and squally showers to the city over the next few days when combined with the effect of a northeast monsoon.

It said the No 1 signal would remain in force as Sarika maintained a distance from Hong Kong on Sunday night and Monday morning. The city’s official forecaster would consider issuing the No 3 signal during the day based on local wind conditions.

It called on the public to remain vigilant and take precautions as early as possible.

At 10pm on Sunday, Sarika was about 670km south-southeast of Hong Kong and forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 25km/h across the central part of the South China Sea. But it appeared unlikely to hit the city directly as it was predicted to travel towards Hainan Island.

Meanwhile, severe tropical storm Haima was churning in the western Pacific Ocean and intensified into a typhoon on Sunday. It was expected to move in the direction of Hong Kong in the next few days.

At noon Sunday, Haima was centred about 160km northeast of Yap, an island of Micronesia. It was forecast to travel northwest at about 20km/h towards Luzon in the northern Philippines.

This means Haima could edge much closer to the city compared with Sarika – within 400km – according to its present forecast track.