No.8 signal issued; Observatory considering No.9

The No. 8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal was issued at 10:10 p.m.

This means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected from the northwest quarter.

At 10 p.m., Typhoon Noul was centred about 160 kilometres east-southeast of Hong Kong (near 21.9 degrees north 115.7 degrees east) and is forecast to move northwest at about 18 kilometres per hour towards the coast of eastern Guangdong.

According to the present forecast track, Noul will make landfall over the vicinity of Huizhou to Shanwei tomorrow (26 July) morning, skirting around 100 kilometres northeast of Hong Kong. Local winds will strengthen significantly overnight. The Observatory will consider issuing the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal, No. 9 between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. tomorrow.

Under the influence of the rainbands of Noul, there will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms tomorrow over the territory. Members of the public please pay attention to the latest weather information issued by the Observatory.