The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 at 2:20 p.m. today (Sept. 23), warning that wind conditions in the city will intensify. According to the Observatory, the outer rainbands of Super Typhoon Ragasa have started to affect eastern Guangdong. With its broad circulation and powerful winds, Ragasa poses a severe threat to the coastal areas of Guangdong.
Current forecasts suggest that Ragasa will maintain its super typhoon strength and approach the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary tomorrow morning (Sept. 24), with HK's weather expected to deteriorate rapidly later today.
The Observatory stated that it would monitor the distance of Ragasa from HK and local wind conditions to assess whether a higher tropical cyclone warning signal may need to be issued later tonight or early tomorrow.
Severe weather is forecast for tomorrow, with gale to storm-force winds across HK, and hurricane-force winds over offshore waters and on high ground initially. Intense squalls, heavy rain, and thunderstorms are expected. Extremely rough seas with large swells are also anticipated, prompting the Observatory to urge the public to stay away from shorelines and suspend all water activities.
Due to the significant storm surge, coastal water levels in HK are predicted to rise by approximately 2 meters tomorrow morning. Water levels are expected to begin rising after 6 a.m., peaking between late morning and early afternoon at 3.5 to 4 meters above the chart datum, with Tolo Harbour potentially reaching 4 to 5 meters.
Residents are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures as soon as possible.
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