Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin
Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.
The No. 8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal is in force.
This means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected from the northwest quarter.
At 4 p.m., Super Typhoon Ragasa was centred about 340 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong (near 20.5 degrees north 116.8 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 22 kilometres per hour edging closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary to the coast of western Guangdong.
In the past few hours, Ragasa continued to move closer to Hong Kong. According to the present forecast, Ragasa will maintain super typhoon intensity and will be closest to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary tomorrow (24 September) morning. Local winds will strengthen further. Depending on the distance between Ragasa and Hong Kong, as well as the change in local wind conditions, the Observatory will assess the need of issuing higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals in the latter part of tonight and at first of tomorrow.
Ragasa has an extensive circulation with fierce winds. Its outer rainbands have edged closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary gradually. Locally, occasional gales are already starting to affect high grounds. The weather is expected to start deteriorating rapidly later today, with winds strengthening quickly. The weather will be persistently adverse tomorrow. Gale to storm force winds will prevail locally, and winds will reach hurricane force offshore and on high ground at first. There will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms. Seas will be phenomenal with swells. There will be overtopping waves over the shoreline, which will be particularly significant along the eastern and southern coasts. Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
Under the influence of significant storm surge, the rise in water level can reach around 2 metres over the coast of Hong Kong tomorrow. The water level will start to rise after around 6 a.m. in the morning. It will reach the maximum later in the morning to early afternoon, generally around 3.5 to 4 metres above chart datum. The water level at Tolo Harbour may even reach 4 to 5 metres above chart datum. Members of the public should take necessary precautions.
(Precautionary Announcements with No. 8 Signal)
1. Complete all precautions in your home. Lock all windows and doors, insert reinforced shutters and gates if they are available. Adhesive tape fixed to large window-panes in exposed positions will reduce damage and injury by broken glass. Drains should be cleared of leaves and rubbish as soon as possible.
2. Do not stand near windows on the exposed side of your home. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter, should windows be broken.
3. Park your car where it is safe.
4. Owing to storm surge, low-lying areas may have serious flooding or backflow of seawater. You should avoid going to likely affected low-lying areas and stay away from dangerous places.
5. Flights at Hong Kong International Airport may be affected by the weather. Please contact your airline for the latest flight information before departing for the airport.
6. Owners of neon signs should switch off the electricity supply to the signs.
7. Please listen to radio or watch TV for the latest weather information broadcast. You can also browse the Hong Kong Observatory's website and mobile app for the information.
