The Hong Kong Observatory said it will upgrade Standby Signal Number One to a T3 warning between 2 and 3pm on Saturday, as Severe Tropical Storm Wipha moves closer to Hong Kong.

As a result, kindergarten classes and schools for children with disabilities will be suspended after noon.

However, authorities say these schools should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after arriving students, and ensure that conditions are safe before allowing them to return home.

Forecasters say winds have been occasionally strong on high ground over the past few hours, and are expected to get progressively stronger later in the day, while showers will be heavy with squally thunderstorms.

The HKO says it will continue monitoring the storm to see if an even higher typhoon signal is needed early on Sunday as the storm draws even closer.

The No. 1 signal was issued at 2.20am on Saturday, and forecasters expect the storm to continue to strengthen as it makes steady progress through the Luzon Strait.

"Wipha will be rather close to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary [on Sunday], and there will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms," the Observatory warned.

"Seas will be very rough with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports."

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Last updated: 2025-07-19 HKT 7:59