Philippines storm may intensify into typhoon, approach Hong Kong this weekend
‘Under its influence, there will be strong winds, heavy squally showers and thunderstorms along the Guangdong coast from late Saturday to Sunday,’ forecaster says
A tropical depression near the Philippines could intensify into a typhoon and move closer to Hong Kong over the weekend, with a possible landfall less than 400km (249 miles) east of the city, the forecaster has said.
The Hong Kong Observatory said on Thursday that the tropical depression had formed over waters east of the Philippines and was expected to move west-northwest at about 25 km/h (15.5mph).
“The tropical depression over the seas east of the Philippines will enter the northeastern part of the South China Sea later this week and intensify progressively, with a higher chance of moving towards the vicinity of the coast of eastern Guangdong over the weekend,” it said.
According to its latest track forecast, the system is expected to make landfall in Huilai county in Jieyang, Guangdong, as a typhoon, with maximum sustained winds near the centre of about 120 km/h, early on Sunday.
The projected landfall location is less than 400km east of Hong Kong.
“Under its influence, there will be strong winds, heavy squally showers and thunderstorms along the Guangdong coast from late Saturday to Sunday. Swells are also expected,” the forecaster said.
