First typhoon signal of the year hoisted as storm brews

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the year's first typhoon signal as a tropical cyclone is forming in the South China Sea.

Yesterday, the No 1 Standby Signal was hoisted at 5.40pm, as a broad area of low pressure over the central to northern part of the South China Sea had intensified into a tropical depression.

"The tropical depression was estimated to be about 640 kilometers south-southwest of Hong Kong and was forecast to move north at around 10 kilometers per hour, edging towards the coast of western Guangdong and the Pearl River Estuary," the weatherman said at 6pm.

As a result, the city is expected to see squally showers and thunderstorms today and tomorrow, with strong winds of up to force 7 - equal to the wind force during a Signal No 3 typhoon - on high ground.

People are advised to stay away from the shoreline and avoid water sports.

The observatory has said that the No 1 Signal will remain in effect until at least 6am today, as the strong winds would not generally affect the city yet.

However, the tropical depression may continue to intensify and move closer to the coast, and the observatory will assess the need to issue a higher No 3 Strong Wind Signal.

Meanwhile, Macau has also issued the Typhoon Signal No 1, and the National Meteorological Center has warned that the tropical depression is moving northward and is estimated to make landfall on the west coast of the Pearl River Estuary today.

Residents in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi are advised to strengthen precautions against possible flash floods, geological disasters, small to medium river floods, and other calamities caused by heavy rainfall.

The Greater Bay Area cities also need to be alert for urban waterlogging, the center said.

"Passing ships, tourists visiting the coasts, and those in maritime work must pay special attention to their safety due to the expected strong winds along the coast of Guangdong and the northern part of the South China Sea," it said.

Tourists planning to visit relevant areas are advised to adjust their schedules depending on the weather condition.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com