According to an SMG statement, Saola was located about 190 km east of Macau at 3 p.m. "and is gradually approaching Macau."
The No.8 signal means that "winds with sustained speed of 63 to 1
17 km/h are expected or blowing, and gusts may exceed 180 km/h in Macau". No.8 is Macau's third highest of a five-level storm warning system (No.1, No.3, No.8, No.9 and No.10).
The bureau said there was a "medium to relatively high" possibility that the No.9 signal will between tonight and tomorrow midnight, while there was a "medium" possibility that the No. 10 signal will be hoisted in the early morning tomorrow.
The observatory also said there was a "medium to relatively high" possibility that it will issue the Red storm surge warning tonight. It forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms until Sunday as well as flooding in low-lying areas. Floods began to affect Macau earlier today.
The current Orange storm surge warning is the third highest of a five-level system. Orange indicates that the bureau expects floods ranging between 1.0 and 1.5 metre above road level. Red is the fourth highest level, indicating floods to possibly range between 1.5 and 2.5 metres above road level.
Macau's start of the new school year has been delayed from today to Monday. All public bus and ferry services have been suspended. Taxi services remain in operation. As is customary, Macau's casinos remain open during a typhoon. However, Macau's chief executive has the power to order their closure on public safety grounds. Many restaurants and shops have suspended operations in response to the No.8 signal.
