HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Observatory has said the Standby Signal, No 1, issued at 10:20 pm on Monday, will remain in force until at least Wednesday noon, as Tropical Typhoon Toraji moved west-northwest steadily.

The HKO will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No 3 on Wednesday afternoon, according to a bulletin issued at 4:45 pm on Tuesday.

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“According to the present forecast track, the strong winds associated with Toraji will maintain quite some distance from the Pearl River Estuary tonight (Tuesday night) to tomorrow (Wednesday) morning,” reads the bulletin.

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Toraji will skirt around 200 kilometers to the south of the territory on Thursday morning

“Depending on the intensity of Toraji at that time, the distance of its associated gale winds from the Pearl River Estuary and the change in local wind conditions, the Observatory will assess the need of issuing higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals.”

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As Toraji edges closer to the coast of southern China gradually, under its combined effect with the northeast monsoon, local winds will strengthen gradually later on Wednesday, the HKO said, adding that the outer rainbands of Toraji will also affect the coastal areas.

Warning that seas are rough with swells, it advised people to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.