The Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) hoisted the Standby Signal No. 1 at 1 a.m. today.
The bureau said in a statement late last night that the Signal No. 1 “will remain in effect this morning” and that “winds will strengthen locally.”
It also said that the probability of Typhoon Signal No. 3 being hoisted is “medium to relatively high” this afternoon or evening. However, it also said that the probability of Signal No. 8 being hoisted tomorrow morning is “relatively low.”
At 1 a.m. Typhoon “Rai” was located about 780 km south-southwest of Macau and gradually approaching the city, according to the statement.
The bureau said earlier last night that Rai was expected to gradually turn northward. The Signal No. 1 was hoisted when Rai had entered Macau’s 800 km standby warning zone.
Though Rai is expected to weaken, the observatory said, its track “is closer to Macau than expected”, and its rain and cloud bands will affect Macau today and tomorrow, with frequent rain persisting for a period of time and winds reaching Force 6 occasionally with gusts.
Meanwhile, according to the weather station, under the joint effect of the astronomical high tide and storm surge caused by Rai, flooding is expected in the Inner Harbour tonight. The maximum flooding level is expected to be below 0.5 metre. The bureau said in a statement last night that the Blue Storm Surge warning was issued at 8 p.m. yesterday. It urged the public to pay attention to the latest news from the bureau and take preventive measures for strong winds and flooding.
