The Observatory says it will lower the No. 9 Increasing Gale or Storm Signal before midnight on Sunday, after deciding that the Hurricane Signal No. 10 will not be required.

The No.8 signal will stay in place until at least 11am, meaning schools and many workplaces will not be open on Monday morning. The No.9 signal had gone up at 7pm.

The Observatory advised people not to go outside and to stay away from exposed windows and doors and to make sure they sheltered in a safe place.

It said the eyewall of Typhoon Koinu was gradually approaching the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary, bringing gales to many parts of the territory, with occasional storm force winds offshore and on high ground.

"According to the present forecast track, the closest distance between Koinu and the Hong Kong Observatory is about 60 to 70 kilometres. Local winds will change gradually from northerlies to easterly winds. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed," it said.

It said that depending on changes in local wind conditions, it will assess whether it needs to issue the Hurricane Signal No. 10.

It said it expects heavy squally showers to affect Hong Kong on Sunday and Monday.

It also said that it had recorded maximum sustained winds at Tate's Cairn, Waglan Island and Cheung Chau of 103 kilometres and hour, 94 kmh and 64 kmh respectively.
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Last updated: 2023-10-08 HKT 23:17