T3 to be issued between 1pm and 3pm

The Observatory will issue the Strong Wind Signal No 3 between 1 pm and 3 pm.

That announcement came, the weather forecaster said, after Noul moved moved steadily across the north-eastern part of the South China Sea over the past few hours, edging closer to the coast of Guangdong progressively and intensifying slightly.

At 10 am, Typhoon Noul was estimated to be about 400 kilometres east-southeast of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 20 kilometres per hour across the north-eastern part of the South China Sea, in the general direction of Guangdong.

Its outer rainbands are affecting coastal areas, and the expectation is for local winds to strengthen gradually later today and more squally showers.

Depending on the distance between the landfall location of Noul and Hong Kong, the size of its gale winds, and local wind conditions, the Observatory will assess the need for issuing higher tropical cyclone warning signals later tonight.

People are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports as there will be swells.

According to the present forecast track, Noul will make landfall between Huizhou and Shanwei on Sunday morning.

Under its influence, there will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms tomorrow.

Edited by Robert Kemp ...