The Hong Kong Observatory says Standby Signal No. 1 will remain in force for most of Thursday and it will assess the need to issue the No. 3 signal on Friday, as Tropical Storm Wutip continues to affect the region.

Forecasters warn that Wutip’s influence, combined with a ridge of high pressure over the coast of southeastern China, will bring occasional strong winds over parts of the SAR on Thursday.

As of 10am, the storm system was centred about 720 southwest of Hong Kong, heading towards Hainan Island, where it is expected to make landfall.

However, Wutip is then expected to move across the island and make its way towards the western part of southern China, slightly edging closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary, bringing squally heavy showers to the region.

The observatory says winds may be generally strong in Hong Kong on Saturday and early on Sunday.