Typhoon Signal Number 3 raised over HK due to Super Typhoon Mangkhut

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A screenshot of the Hong Kong Observatory website showing the expected track of Super Typhoon Mangkhut

The Hong Kong Observatory raised this afternoon Typhoon Signal Number 3 over HK due to approaching Super Typhoon Mangkhut.

In a Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin released at 4:20 pm, the Observatory said it expects to raise Signal Number 8 by midnight tonight.

The South China Morning Post reported that Hurricane Signal Number 10 might even be raised over the city by tomorrow.

“The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 was issued at 4:20 p.m. This means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour are expected,” the Observatory said.

It said Super Typhoon Mangkhut was estimated to be about 660 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong (near 18.8 degrees north 119.3 degrees east) at around 4 p.m. Today and is “forecast to move west-northwest at about 30 kilometres per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea towards the coast of western Guangdong.”

“Mangkhut continues to move rapidly towards the coast of western Guangdong, posing a severe threat to the region,” the Observatory said.

“Mangkhut has extensive circulation with fierce winds. As Mangkhut edges progressively closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary, the weather over the region will deteriorate rapidly around midnight,” it said.

“The Observatory will issue the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal around midnight,” the Observatory added.

It appealed to the members of the public to stay away from the shoreline, and not to engage in water sports.

“Adverse weather will prevail tomorrow with winds strengthening rapidly and frequent heavy rain and squalls. Sea will be high,” the Observatory said.

“Under the influence of storm surge, a high water level of around 3.5 metres above chart datum is expected at Quarry Bay between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m tomorrow, or about 2 metres above the normal tide heights,” it said.

The Observatory added that the high water level may cause severe flooding in low-lying areas.