Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin
Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.
The No. 8 Southeast 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 southeast quarter.
At 4 p.m., Severe Typhoon Ragasa was centred about 210 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong (near 21.5 degrees north 112.3 degrees east) and is forecast to move west at about 22 kilometres per hour edging closer to the vicinity of the western coast of Guangdong.
Ragasa is departing from Hong Kong gradually, but gale to storm force southeasterly winds are still affecting many places of the territory. The No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal is expected to remain in force before 8 p.m. tonight. Depending on the extent of weakening of local winds, the Observatory will then consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3.
Local weather will still be adverse today with frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms. Seas will be high with swells. There will be overtopping waves over the shoreline. Members of the public are advised to remain on the alert, to stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports.
The storm surge brought by Ragasa caused a general rise of more than 1.5 metres in water levels over the territory. The water level recorded at Victoria Harbour was once about 3.4 metres above Chart Datum, while the maximum water level at Tai Po Kau and Tsim Bei Tsui tide station was about 3.8 metres above Chart Datum. Local water levels over the coastal areas will fall progressively in the afternoon.
In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Ngong Ping, Cheung Chau and Tap Mun were 99, 85 and 82 kilometres per hour with maximum gusts exceeding 149, 101 and 107 kilometres per hour respectively.
(Precautionary Announcements with No. 8 Signal)
1. Although the tropical cyclone is moving away from Hong Kong, gales are expected to persist for some time. Please continue to stay indoors until winds moderate. Do not touch electric cables that have been blown loose.
2. As gales and violent squalls are still occurring in places, precautions should not yet be relaxed.
3. 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.
4. Owing to storm surge, some 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. 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.
