The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) raised the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 2.20pm on Saturday as Tropical Cyclone Wipha approached the region, prompting significant safety measures, including the closure of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Residents are strongly advised to stay away from the shoreline and avoid all water sports.
The observatory forecasts that the region will experience sustained winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour, which pose hazards in exposed areas.
The proximity and intensity of the storm remain key factors. The HKO has indicated that it will consider issuing the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 in the early hours of Sunday, depending on the track of Wipha near the Pearl River Estuary.
In a major precautionary step, authorities have announced that the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will be closed from 11pm on Saturday until 8am on Sunday.
This decision was made following joint consultations between the transport and emergency authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, with a focus on prioritizing public safety amid the deteriorating weather conditions.
