The Observatory will consider taking the rare step of skipping Standby Signal No. 1 and move directly to issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 on Monday when Tropical Storm Fengshen has moved closer to Hong Kong.

It expects Fengshen to be closest to the SAR on Tuesday, when it will assess the need to issue a higher warning signal.

Local winds will strengthen gradually on Sunday as an intense northeast monsoon is expected to reach Guangdong and Fengshen comes within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong.