Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) hoisted the Standby Signal No. 1 last night in response to Tropical Cyclone “Saudel”, with the local observatory noting on its website that the probability of hoisting Strong Wind Signal No.3 is “medium” during the day time today.
The Standby Signal No.1 is a precautionary warning hoisted when a tropical cyclone is centred within 800 km of Macau and may affect the city, according to its website, which noted that it will remain in force at least until 10:00 a.m. today.
The website statement said that Tropical Cyclone “Saudel” was located late last night off Hainan Island and was expected to pass around 300 km to the south of Macau early today before moving eastward towards the northeastern South China Sea, “where its intensity is expected to increase”.
Due to the joint influence of this tropical cyclone and a northeastern monsoon, the statement said, Macau was expected to experience relatively strong winds alongside occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms today.
As rain bands pass through, winds will periodically hit force 6 with strong gusts, the observatory forecast. As a result, there is a moderate likelihood that Strong Wind Signal No.3 will be issued during the daytime, the statement added.
Meanwhile, the station’s assessment late last night indicated that the probability of issuing a Blue Storm Surge Warning remains low.
Heavy rain batters pedestrians and drivers at an intersection near Praça do Tap Siac in early August. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
