Hong Kong has issued its T3 typhoon warning for the second time within a week as Tropical Cyclone Toraji approached the territory, bringing occasional strong winds and showers. The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 was raised at 2.
40 pm on Wednesday as Toraji’s outer rainbands began to affect Hong Kong. “Under the combined effect of Toraji and the northeast monsoon, local winds are expected to strengthen gradually this afternoon with winds offshore and on high ground occasionally reaching gales,” the Hong Kong Observatory said. According to the Observatory, Toraji is forecast to be closest to Hong Kong on Thursday morning.
It is expected to weaken, though the rate at which is will weaken remained uncertain. The government forecaster said it would asses whether to raise a higher typhoon warning “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.” Members of the public were advised to stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports.
Authorities have this year made efforts to crack down on surfers during inclement weather, with two people “found to have committed the acts of illegal surfing during hoisting of red flags” at Big Wave Bay Beach on October 25. Secretary for Security Chris Tang last month told the legislature that the Fire Services Department, police and Government Flying Service had been deployed to assist residents engaging in outdoor pu.
