Tropical cyclone Fengshen set to approach HK, bringing strong winds and possible flooding

A low-pressure system in the sea east of the Philippines strengthened into a tropical depression early Friday, prompting the Hong Kong Observatory to issue a projected path for the developing storm. 

By Saturday morning, the system is expected to escalate into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of about 75 kilometers per hour, earning the name Fengshen. 

The storm is forecasted to move westward at approximately 30 kilometers per hour, approaching the Luzon region of the Philippines, where it will likely intensify further.

By Sunday morning, the cyclone is predicted to become a severe tropical storm with winds reaching 90 kilometers per hour, making landfall in central Luzon before continuing northwest across the island and entering the South China Sea. 

By Sunday evening, it is expected to be about 800 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong, still moving northwest and gaining strength.

On Monday morning, it will likely be around 500 kilometers from the city, and by Tuesday morning, it is projected to come within 400 kilometers, reaching typhoon intensity with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour. 

However, a strong northeast monsoon arriving from the south is expected to force a dramatic 90-degree turn, redirecting the storm southwest and causing it to weaken, potentially dropping back to severe tropical storm status by Wednesday morning. 

The Observatory cautioned that the timing and location of this turn remain uncertain.

The storm’s approach is set to bring significant weather changes to Hong Kong. 

Starting Sunday, north to northeast winds are expected to strengthen to levels 4 to 5, escalating to levels 5 to 6 by Tuesday, with gusts reaching level 8 in higher areas for three consecutive days.

Temperatures are forecasted to plummet, dropping from a high of 29 degrees on Monday to a low of 21 degrees on Tuesday, with the New Territories potentially seeing even cooler conditions. 

From Sunday evening, low-lying coastal areas may face flooding risks due to the strong winds and rising seas.

In the meantime, clear and sunny weather is expected to continue in Guangdong through Friday and Saturday, with temperatures ranging from 28 degrees to 34 degrees and gentle easterly winds. 

However, the arrival of the northeast monsoon on Sunday will bring stronger winds, cloudier skies, and rain over the following days, cooling the city significantly and increasing the likelihood of coastal flooding.