The observatory said the Standby Signal No 1 will remain in force Friday night and early on Saturday.

"Maysak continues to edge closer to Hainan. It is expected to make landfall over the island later today," it said.

"It will then skirt over 500 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong."

The weather forecaster said the chance of issuing the Strong Wind Signal No 3 is relatively low unless the tropical storm intensifies significantly and adopts a track closer to the coast of Guangdong.

It will still be windy on Saturday and showers will be heavy at times, as thunderstorms, squalls and violent gusts occur under the influence of the southeast monsoon.

People are urged to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports as there will be swells.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden