Typhoon Saudel Maintains Storm Strength, May Brush Past Hong Kong on Friday
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Observatory has maintained Strong Wind Signal No. 1 for Typhoon Saudel, which was located approximately 290 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong on Wednesday morning. The storm is expected to execute a loop over the South China Sea and approach the Pearl River Estuary region on Friday, though its exact intensity remains uncertain. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will assess whether to issue a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal as Saudel approaches.
Key Points
- The Observatory issued Strong Wind Signal No. 1 at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, with Saudel centred about 290 kilometres east-southeast of Hong Kong, moving northeast at 10 kilometres per hour
- Saudel's maximum sustained winds near its centre were 18 metres per second (approximately 65 kilometres per hour) as of 8 a.m. Wednesday
- The storm is forecast to execute a "recurvature" overnight, turning westward and then southwestward, potentially brushing past Hong Kong's southeastern waters on Friday
- The Central Meteorological Observatory and Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau predict Saudel will remain a tropical storm when it passes near Po Toi Island on Friday evening
- The Hong Kong Observatory's own forecast differs, suggesting Saudel will weaken to a tropical depression before approaching the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border area
- Due to the combined influence of Saudel and the northeast monsoon, strong winds are affecting offshore areas and elevated terrain in Hong Kong
Why It Matters
The approaching storm comes during the peak typhoon season, and authorities warn that Saudel's intensity upon nearing the Pearl River Estuary carries "considerable uncertainty" . The Observatory has stated it will assess whether to upgrade to Signal No. 3 as the system develops, with preparations and monitoring continuing throughout the week as the weather pattern could bring squally showers and rough seas to the territory .
The approaching storm comes during the peak typhoon season, and authorities warn that Saudel's intensity upon nearing the Pearl River Estuary carries "considerable uncertainty" . The Observatory has stated it will assess whether to upgrade to Signal No. 3 as the system develops, with preparations and monitoring continuing throughout the week as the weather pattern could bring squally showers and rough seas to the territory .