Observatory issues T1 typhoon standby signal as showers, storms and high winds hit Hong Kong

The typhoon standby signal No 1 was issued on Monday afternoon as Hong Kong was buffeted by showers, gusts and a thunderstorm.

The Hong Kong Observatory put the standby signal up at 3.40pm – the second time this month.

“A tropical cyclone is centred within 800km of Hong Kong and may affect us,” the Observatory said.

“Please consider changes in weather when planning activities. Beware that strong winds may occur over offshore waters.”

According to the Observatory, a tropical depression was 470km southwest of Hong Kong at 2pm, though maps on its website projected the storm would head west towards Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in mainland China.