The Standby Signal No. 1 remains in effect as a tropical depression continues to approach the region. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) stated this morning (Sept. 18) that, at 8:00 a.m., the tropical depression over the northeastern part of the South China Sea was located approximately 570 kilometers southeast of HK. Moving northwestward at around 18 kilometers per hour, the system is expected to head towards the eastern coastal areas of Guangdong.
The HKO noted that the tropical cyclone has been steadily moving northwest in recent hours, crossing the northeastern part of the South China Sea. The cyclone's circulation is relatively small and is expected to stay about 300 kilometers or more away from HK for most of today. As such, the No. 1 signal will remain in force throughout today.
The Observatory predicts that the tropical cyclone will gradually intensify over the next two days as it approaches the eastern coast of Guangdong. Influenced by the northeast monsoon, it is expected to veer westward, moving closer to the Pearl River Estuary.
However, there is still uncertainty regarding its landfall location and intensity. The HKO will monitor the cyclone's strength, the proximity of its strong wind zone to HK, and local wind conditions to assess whether a higher tropical cyclone warning signal will be issued tomorrow.
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