HKO: possible Strong Wind Signal No. 3 around Sunday

Satellite imagery shows a cluster of clouds east of the Philippines, where a low-pressure area is expected to gradually develop into a tropical cyclone in the next one or two days.

It is expected to enter the northern South China Sea later this week and generally move toward the coast of Guangdong over the weekend, although its track and intensity remain uncertain.

Different computer models have diverged on the storm’s path. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts expects the cyclone to pass south of Hong Kong on Sunday and make landfall to the west, while AI models suggest an eastward landfall, which would be blocked by terrain and result in relatively weaker winds.

The Observatory forecasts heavy showers and thunderstorms from Saturday, and on Sunday winds offshore and on higher ground may reach Force 6 to 7, equivalent to a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal.