The Hong Kong Observatory says it will downgrade the T8 signal to T3 at 1.10pm on Monday as Severe Tropical Storm Tapah continues to move away from the territory and weaken.

"Tapah is moving into inland Guangdong and will depart from Hong Kong progressively," the observatory said in a statement. "Local winds are expected to weaken gradually. The observatory will issue the Strong Wind Signal, No 3 at 1.10pm."

Tapah made landfall over Taishan in Guangdong province earlier in the morning.

However forecasters warned that gale force winds are still affecting many places, while winds offshore and on high ground are reaching storm force.

The combined effect of the spring tide and the storm surge from Tapah led to a high water level of about 60cm above normal at Tai O and Tsim Bei Tsui, prompting forecasters to warn of potential flooding in low-lying areas.

More rain is also expected for the day, with the observatory saying Tapah's rainbands will continue to bring heavy squally showers to the Pearl River Estuary at first.

The system had lashed the territory with strong winds as it passed within 170 kilometres of the SAR on Monday morning, bringing sustained winds of up to 101km per hour at Ngong Ping, with maximum gusts of up 151km per hour.
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Last updated: 2025-09-08 HKT 10:50