The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Strong Wind Signal No.3 at 9.20am on Friday, as Mitag intensified into a severe tropical storm as it continued to approach the coast of eastern Guangdong.

“Under the influence of the associated strong winds of Mitag, local winds are expected to strengthen gradually. The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 will remain in force for most of the time during the day today,” the observatory said in a statement.

As of 9 am, Mitag was centred around 160 kilometres east of Hong Kong, and is forecast to move northwest at about 15 kilometres per hour towards eastern Guangdong.

Forecasters expect the storm to make landfall on Friday evening, before taking a more westerly track towards the Pearl River Estuary – a predicted path that means Mitag would pass within 100 kilometres to the north of Hong Kong.

The observatory also says the storm will weaken after making landfall, but it remains unclear how much a threat it will pose to the territory.

“Depending on the rate of weakening of Mitag at that time, the distance of its gale winds from Hong Kong and the change in local wind conditions, the Observatory will assess the need of issuing higher tropical cyclone warning signal tonight,” it said.

Classes of all kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability have been suspended for the day.

Forecasters say the storm will bring more showers and squalls to the territory as winds pick up, while showers will be heavy at times on Saturday.

Members of the public have been advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
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Last updated: 2025-09-19 HKT 09:32