The Observatory says it will consider dropping the Standby Signal No. 1 between 2 and 5pm on Thursday as a tropical depression moves away from Hong Kong.

Forecasters expect the system, which was centred around 440 kilometres west-southwest of the territory as of 8am, to make landfall over the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong at around noon before moving inland into Guangxi.

"Its threat to Hong Kong will decrease gradually in the afternoon," the Observatory said.

However, it warned that rainbands associated with the tropical depression will still bring squalls and swells to the territory for the day.

Members of the public were advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.