The SARs are considering issuing a typhoon signal no. 3 and are expected to be hit with unstable weather over the next several days
Hong Kong and Macao issue T1 typhoon signals
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A tropical depression in the central part of the South China Sea has seen Hong Kong and Macao issue T1 typhoon signals, with the storm projected to come within 800 kilometres of the two cities.
The Hong Kong Observatory hoisted its T1 signal at 7:40 am today and said it would keep the alert in place for today. The tropical depression is expected to keep its distance from Hong Kong, not coming closer than 500 kilometres, but it will strengthen as it heads towards Hainan.
Hong Kong and Macao are prepared for the possibility of a no. 3 signal, which is issued when wind speeds reach a strong level of 41 to 62 kph. The Hong Kong Observatory said it would assess the need for a T3 signal later, warning the public to refrain from approaching shorelines due to swells.
In neighbouring Macao, the T1 signal was hoisted at 11 pm yesterday. According to the local Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (known by its Portuguese initials SMG), the alert will remain active throughout today.
It warned of a “medium” level chance of a T3 being issued tomorrow morning. As of 11 am today, the weather system was roughly 540 km from Macao’s south, moving towards Hainan Island in a west-northwestern direction at a rate of approximately 25 km per hour.
Is rough weather expected, after Hong Kong and Macao issue T1?
Looking ahead, Hong Kong meteorologists expect the city to be hit with winds, showers and thunderstorms over the coming days, as the tropical cyclone passes by the city.
The observatory noted the weather along Guangdong’s coast would remain unstable early next week, with showers and thunderstorms forecasted due to impact from “a broad trough of low pressure and upper air-distrubances.”
Macao’s weather will be similar, with the SMG predicting an increased amount of showers from Friday, which will continue into the weekend, with accompanying thunderstorms.
The weather bureau added that there was a “low” chance of a “significant storm surge,” although it warned that heavy rain could cause flooding.
[See more: The ultimate Macao typhoon survival guide]
In response to the current typhoon signal, Macao’s Maritime and Water Bureau said it may temporarily suspend ferry routes if sea conditions deteriorate. The department also urged the maritime sector, fishing vessels, operators at Inner Harbour docks and the public to be wary of changes to the weather and to take typhoon precautions.
Peak typhoon season in southern China normally falls between July and September.
Nationally, China entered its flood season yesterday, according to an announcement by the Water Resources Ministry. The ministry said that during the period between July and August, various parts of the country’s would be hit with a higher-than-average level of rain, with the northern river basins set to face severe flooding.
Extreme weather has already hit various parts of China, including Shaanxi’s Yulin City, which was suddenly hit by large amounts of hail on Sunday night, as well as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
