The Observatory issued the first No 8 Storm Signal of the year on Friday evening as Severe Tropical Storm Chaba moved closer to Hong Kong.

Chaba was expected to pass by the SAR overnight, and the observatory said the No 8 signal would remain in force until 5 am at the earliest.

Most ferry services suspended operations early, but the MTR Corporation said rail services remained normal, though its bus services were suspended by 10:10 pm.

At midnight, Severe Tropical Storm Chaba was centred about 340 kilometres south-southwest of Hong Kong (near 19.7 degrees north 112.5 degrees east) and is forecast to move northwest at about 16 kilometres per hour in the general direction of the coast of western Guangdong.

The observatory said Chaba had brought strong winds, particularly in the southern part of Hong Kong.

It said it expects Chaba to be closest to the SAR on Saturday morning, skirting about 300 kilometres to the southwest of the territory.

"Chaba is expected to further intensify and its associated gales will edge closer to the Pearl River Estuary. Local winds will strengthen further," the Observatory said in a statement.

It warned that the seas around Hong Kong were rough and advised members of the public to stay away from the shoreline and avoid water sports.

It also advised the public to avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas.

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Last updated: 2022-07-02 HKT 00:28