HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory said the Typhoon Signal No 1 will remain in force until 6 pm today and that it would consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No 3 in the evening.
The observatory issued typhoon signal No 1 at 9:10 pm on Wednesday due to tropical depression Chaba in the South China Sea.
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"In the past few hours, Chaba gradually tracked north, and intensified slightly," the observatory said in a special cyclone warning bulletin issued at 11:45 am Thursday, adding that Chaba has intensified into a tropical storm.
According to the present forecast track, Chaba continues to edge closer to the coast of western Guangdong. Local winds will strengthen gradually tonight.
Hong Kong Observatory
"According to the present forecast track, Chaba continues to edge closer to the coast of western Guangdong. Local winds will strengthen gradually tonight. The observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No 3 then," it added
Chaba, estimated to be about 710 kilometers south of Hong Kong at noon Thursday, is forecast to move north-northwest at about 12 kilometers per hour in the general direction of the coast of western Guangdong, the HKO said.
“The outer rainbands associated with Chaba are already affecting the territory,” the bulletin reads.
Showers will become frequent with squally thunderstorms.
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Local winds will be strong offshore and on high ground later on Thursday and there will be swells, it added.
The HKO advised people to stay away from the shoreline, and not to engage in water sports.