People stand along Victoria Harbour amid stormy weather in Hong Kong on July 2, 2022. (KIN CHEUNG / AP)

HONG KONG – The Education Bureau suspended classes in all schools in the city on Wednesday as the Hong Kong Observatory said that it will issue typhoon signal No. 8 on or before 1:40 pm due to Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae.

The HKO said in a weather bulletin that Nalgae will be very close to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Wednesday, skirting within around 150 kilometers to the south of the territory. The Strong Wing Signal No. 3 is currently in force. 

The HKO said in a weather bulletin that Nalgae will be very close to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Wednesday, skirting within around 150 kilometers to the south of the territory

“Under the combined effect of Nalgae and the northeast monsoon, local winds are expected to gradually strengthen in the afternoon today. The Observatory will issue the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal at or before 1:40 pm,” the HKO said. 

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government advised members of the public with long or difficult home journeys or those returning to outlying islands to start their journeys. The government added that it was making arrangements to release its employees.

Under the influence of the outer rainbands of Nalgae, showers over the territory are expected to become more frequent and seas are very rough with swells, the HKO said.

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At 9 am, Nalgae was estimated to be about 230 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong and was forecast to move northwest or north-northwest at about 10 kilometers per hour, edging closer to the vicinity of the area to the west of the Pearl River Estuary.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports, the HKO said.

In a statement, the HKSAR government reminded COVID-19 patients under home isolation or quarantine and who cannot make their own arrangements for basic necessities to call the “StayHomeSafe” hotline for home delivery services as soon as possible while Signal No 3 is still in force.

Once the Storm Signal No. 8 is issued by the HKO, the delivery services and the "StayHomeSafe" hotline will be suspended. 

READ MORE: Nalgae: HKO raises typhoon signal No 3

Callers may choose to leave a voice mail at the "StayHomeSafe" hotline or call the HAD Emergency Co-ordination Centre at 2572-8427 to leave a message with the duty officers. Requests will be followed up once services resume.

In a separate statement, the Social Welfare Department also urged members of the public not to take their children or family members to child care centers, centers providing after school care programs, elderly services centers or day rehabilitation units, and day activity centers due to the typhoon. 

These centers will, however, remain open during their normal operating hours to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them.