Typhoon signal No.1 in force

Hong Kong has raised the standby signal, No 1 at 4.45pm today,

This means that a tropical cyclone now centered within about 800 kilometers of Hong Kong may affect the city, the Hong Kong Observatory said.

At 5pm, the tropical depression over the South China Sea was estimated to be about 500 kilometers south-southwest of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 15 kilometers per hour towards the vicinity of Hainan Island.

The tropical depression will be closest to Hong Kong this evening and tonight, skirting at about 500 kilometers to the southwest of the territory.

Locally, strong winds are expected over offshore waters and on the high ground overnight tonight. There will be occasional squally showers and swells. 

According to the present forecast track, this tropical depression is expected to make landfall over Hainan Island tomorrow morning. The Standby Signal, No. 1 will remain in force tonight.