T1 signal to be hoisted this evening as Super Typhoon Saola nears

The Observatory will issue the Standby Signal, No. 1 this evening as Tropical Cyclone Saola edges closer to Hong Kong.

At noon, Super Typhoon Saola was centered about 270 kilometers south of Gaoxiong. It is forecast to move west-northwest at about 12 kilometers per hour across the northeastern part of the South China Sea.

The weather watchdog said under the influence of the northeast monsoon, there are still uncertainties in Saola's subsequent movement and intensity. It may make landfall over Guangdong, or move westwards along the coastal waters of Guangdong.

According to the present forecast track, Saola may edge closer to the Pearl River Estuary on Friday (September 1) and Saturday (September 2). It will be windy with squally showers in Hong Kong by then, said the Observatory.