Standby Signal No. 1 will remain in force at least until 6 p.m.

The Standby Signal No. 1 is in force, this means that a tropical cyclone now centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong may affect us.

The Observatory says the Standby Signal, No. 1 will remain in force at least until 6 p.m. today. It will then assess the need for issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 depending on the changes in the intensity of Maysak, the distance of its strong winds from the Pearl River Estuary, and the local wind conditions.

At noon, Tropical Storm Maysak was estimated to be about 700 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong (near 17.4 degrees north 110.0 degrees east) and is forecast to move northwest at about 10 kilometres per hour in the general direction of Hainan Island.

Maysak is edging closer to Hainan Island gradually, still maintaining quite some distance from Hong Kong.

The outer rainbands associated with Maysak are bringing squally showers and violent gusts to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary. Local winds were occasionally strong offshore.

Due to the effect of terrain, winds were up to gale force over parts of high ground. There will be swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline, not to engage in water sports and take note of the latest weather information.