Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin
Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.
The Hurricane Signal, No. 10, is in force.
This means that winds with mean speeds of 118 kilometres per hour or more are expected.
At 5 a.m., Super Typhoon Ragasa was centred about 120 kilometres south of Hong Kong (near 21.2 degrees north 114.3 degrees east) and is forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 22 kilometres per hour edging closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary to the coast of western Guangdong.
The circulation of Ragasa is extensive and its winds are fierce. It will be closest to Hong Kong in the next few hours, skirting around 100 kilometres to the south of the territory, posing a serious threat to Hong Kong. Hurricane force winds are currently affecting the southern part of the territory and high ground. As Ragasa further edges near, its hurricane force winds will affect more areas of Hong Kong. Members of the public should be on high alert and beware of destructive winds. The Hurricane Signal, No. 10 will remain in force for some time.
Local winds will veer gradually from northeasterlies to southeasterlies this morning. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed. Local weather will be persistently adverse today with 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 engage in water sports.
Under the influence of significant storm surge, the water level has started to rise. There will be a rise of around 2 to 3 metres over the coast of Hong Kong today, and will reach the maximum around noon, generally to around 4 metres above chart datum. The water level at Tolo Harbour may even reach around 5 metres above chart datum.
In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Waglan Island, Green Island and Tate's Cairn were 136, 134 and 132 kilometres per hour with maximum gusts exceeding 166, 182 and 180 kilometres per hour respectively.
(Precautionary Announcements)
1. Do not go outside. If you are reasonably protected, stay where you are. Do not touch electric cables that have been blown loose.
2. People outdoors should find a safe place now and remain there until the danger is over.
3. Owing to storm surge, some 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.
4. Stay away from exposed windows and doors because glass, already under strain from wind pressure, will shatter easily if hit by a flying object. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter. You should only fix broken windows and doors when there is no danger in doing so.
5. Tropical cyclone brought different degrees of damages to Hong Kong. There may be hidden danger. Members of the public should remain on the alert for assurance of personal safety.
6. 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.
