The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) says it will issue a T8 storm signal at 11.10pm on Wednesday, as Tropical Storm Toraji edges closer to Hong Kong.

The forecaster said that Toraji has moved on a more northerly track towards the coast of Guangddong in the past few hours, adding that gale winds and squally showers will affect Hong Kong overnight and on Thursday.

The Observatory added that Toraji will be closest to the Pearl River Estuary Thursday morning, skirting around 150 kilometres south of Hong Kong.

The Observatory said that the T8 storm signal will remain until at least 10am on Thursday.

MTR rail and bus services, along with the local section of high-speed rail link, will remain normal for the rest of the evening.

The railway company added that services on open sections of the railway, Light Rail and bus will be suspended immediately if T9 or above is issued.