Approach of Lewis raises No 1

TYPHOON signal No 1 was hoisted early this morning as Tropical Storm Lewis blew closer to the territory after claiming 19 lives in the Philippines.

Lewis entered within 700 kilometres south-southeast of Hongkong at 12.05 this morning and was moving west-northwest at 30 km/h across the South China Sea towards Hainan Island.

The Royal Observatory forecast showers tonight and strong winds tomorrow.

Lewis has lashed the central Philippines killing 19 people, sinking three ships, and knocking out much of the region's power supply.

Its wrath caused the greatest loss of life when 17 people drowned after a motor launch sank in the Sulu Sea.