Observatory to issue T1 signal on Fri at earliest, T3 signal possible on Sat

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) is considering issuing Standby Signal No. 1 on Friday night (Jul 18) at the earliest as a tropical cyclone is approaching from the east of the Philippines.

The tropical cyclone is expected to get within 800 kilometers of the city tomorrow night to early Saturday (July 19).

The Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 during the day on Saturday.

There will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms later on Saturday to Monday (Jul 21) as the tropical cyclone is expected to intensify gradually and edge closer, the forecaster said.

As there are still uncertainties in its intensity, the weather watchdog will assess the need to issue higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals on Sunday (Jul 20) depending on the distance between the tropical cyclone and the Pearl River Estuary. 

(Phoebe Poon)