Hong Kong could issue T1 signal on Friday as storm approaches from Philippines

‘Under its influence, there will be strong winds, heavy squally showers and thunderstorms along the Guangdong coast from late Saturday to Sunday,’ forecaster says A tropical depression near the Philippines could intensify into a typhoon and move closer to Hong Kong over the weekend. Photo: Sam Tsang Hong Kong Observatory has said it will consider issuing the No 1 standby typhoon signal on Friday as a tropical cyclone currently near the Philippines is later expected to move closer to the city. The local forecaster said on Thursday that the cyclone, formed over waters east of the Philippines, was expected to edge closer to the coast of eastern Guangdong during the weekend and “intensify progressively”. “According to the present assessment, it has a higher chance to make landfall over the vicinity of Huizhou to Shantou, but its distance from Hong Kong remains uncertain,” it said. “Under its influence, there will be strong winds, heavy squally showers and thunderstorms along the Guangdong coast from late Saturday to Sunday. Swells are also expected.” The tropical cyclone is expected to cross the Luzon Strait and enter within 800km (497 miles) of Hong Kong on Friday. The forecaster’s model indicates the storm could reach typhoon intensity by 2pm on Saturday, when it is expected to be within 400km east-northeast of Hong Kong, carrying maximum sustained winds of 130km/h (80.8mph) near its centre. The Observatory said it would assess the need for higher warnings later that day. But it cautioned that uncertainties remained regarding the system’s intensity and exact landfall position. If it develops into a typhoon, it will be named Noul, a name provided by North Korea meaning “glowing red sky”. Hong Kong has experienced heavy rainfall since June due to multiple low-pressure systems affecting the city. Rainfall in the first 20 days of July has exceeded the monthly average by 23 per cent.