The Observatory says the Standby Signal, No. 1 will remain in force at least until 6pm Tuesday, although strong winds are not expected across the city throughout the day.

At 6am, Tropical Depression Saudel packed maximum sustained winds of about 55km per hour near its centre. It is forecast to move east or east-northeast at about 18km per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea.

"Under the combined effect of Saudel and the northeast monsoon, northerly winds are prevailing generally over Hong Kong. Due to terrain sheltering, the chance of strong winds generally over the territory is not high this morning," senior scientific officer Kong Yu-chau said.

Saudel is expected to skirt more than about 200km southeast of Hong Kong on Tuesday afternoon.

"Local winds are expected to strengthen progressively. Depending on the intensity of Saudel, the distance of its strong winds from the Pearl River Estuary, and the change in local wind conditions, the Observatory will assess the need for issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 by then," Kong added.

Outer rainbands associated with Saudel could bring heavy showers to parts of the territory on Tuesday.



Edited by Nazvi Careem