The Observatory said the Standby Signal No. 1 would remain in force on Thursday and it would assess the need for a higher storm signal on Friday even though Tropical Storm Saudel is weakening.

Acting senior scientific officer Shum Chi-tai said Saudel was estimated to be about 360 kilometres northeast of Hong Kong at noon on Thursday.

“Saudel is moving across the inland areas of eastern Guangdong and weakening gradually,” he said.

“Saudel is expected to edge closer to the vicinity of the Pearl Estuary tomorrow (Friday), but there are uncertainties in its degree of weakening.”

He added that local winds were occasionally strong offshore and on high ground due to the combined effect of Saudel and the northeast monsoon.


Edited by Tony Sabine