The Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) said in a statement this afternoon that a monsoon depression over the northern part of the South China Sea has developed into a tropical depression.
According to the bureau, the tropical depression "is expected to move northwest towards the vicinity of Hainan Island".
The bureau said that Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 will be issued at 8 p.m. while the Strong Monsoon Signal issues earlier today will be cancelled.
"The weather in Macau will be unstable, with thunderstorms and heavy rain, and strong winds with gusts."
At the same time, the statement said, under the influence of a storm surge and astronomical tide, flooding will occur in the Inner Harbour area from tomorrow to Tuesday morning, adding that the floods are expected to be less than half a metre high.
Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK said this afternoon that the Hong Kong Observatory has announced that it may issue the Number 3 Strong Wind Signal tonight. According to the report, forecasters are expecting the depression to develop into a tropical cyclone, as it moves towards the vicinity of Hainan province over the weekend.
The Hong Kong Observatory forecast heavy squally showers and and thunderstorms over the southern Chinese coast.
