The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, today at 11:25 a.m. This means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour are expected. T3 will remain in force at least until 6 p.m. today.
The broad outer rainbands associated with the tropical depression are affecting the northeastern part of the South China Sea and the coast of Guangdong. Locally, strong winds are prevailing with occasional gale force winds offshore and on high ground. There will be showers, thunderstorms and violent gusts over the territory today. Showers will be heavy at times.
The need to issue higher signals subsequently will depend on the changes in the intensity of the tropical depression and the variation in local wind strength.
The Observatory will closely monitor the development and movement of the tropical depression and issued recommendations for members of the public to stay safe:
- Seek safe shelter as soon as possible if you are staying outdoors.
- Leave the water. Do not swim outdoors or engage in other outdoor water sports.
- Do not stand on high grounds. Keep away from highly conductive objects, trees or masts.
- Take precautions against intense gusts. Beware of flying debris and falling objects.
- Drivers using highways and flyovers should reduce speed to be alert to intense gusts.
The Education Bureau also issued a special announcement to suspend kindergartens and special schools :
“As the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 3 is now in force, classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are suspended today. These schools, however, should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after arriving students. They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home. For the foregoing purposes, the delegated authority of the Permanent Secretary for Education has given a written permission under section 83(6)(a)(ii) of the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279) to those school staff and students who need to enter or remain in the school premises during the period of suspension due to operational need or safety reason.”
