The local observatory hoisted Standby Signal No.1 at 7 p.m. yesterday, which it predicted will remain in force until at least early this morning.
According to the weather station, the tropical cyclone was 740 kilometres south-southwest (SSW) of Macau at 11 p.m. yesterday, moving towards the western coast of Guangdong province.
A statement by the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) said that there is a “relatively high” probability Tropical Cyclone Signal No.3 will be issued during the day today, adding that the chance of hoisting Typhoon Signal No.8 tonight is “medium”.
The statement noted that a broad low-pressure area over the central part of the South China Sea has intensified into a tropical depression, which will generally move towards the western coast of Guangdong and Hainan provinces.
According to the statement, under the impact of the tropical cyclone’s broad circulation and rainbands, the observatory forecasts unsettled weather today and tomorrow with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms, adding that the winds will intensify in Macau today and tomorrow.
The statement underlined that during the high phase of the astronomical tide, in which Macau will be affected by the combination of a storm surge and persistent rain, flooding is expected to occur in low-lying areas from early this morning to tomorrow morning and on Thursday.
The bureau urged the public to take precautions against floods and winds in advance and pay close attention to the latest weather information.
Meanwhile, the probability of the weather station issuing a Blue storm surge warning today is “relatively high” and there will be a “relatively low to medium” probability a Yellow storm surge warning will be hoisted.
Macau has a five-level storm surge warning system – Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red and Black, in which “Blue” indicates that the flood level is expected to remain below 0.50 metres above road level in the Inner Harbour, while “Yellow” means the flood level is forecast to reach up to 0.50 metres.
