With Super Typhoon Saola coming closer to Macau, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) will replace the current Typhoon Signal No. 3 with Signal No. 8 at 2 pm today, with a medium to relatively high possibility of issuing a higher signal – No. 9 – around midnight. In addition, there is a medium possibility that Typhoon Signal No. 10 will be issued in the early morning tomorrow.
Due to the typhoon’s influence, there will be showers and thunderstorms in the next few days, heavy at times between tomorrow and Sunday. Under the influence of astronomical tide, flooding of 0.5 metre or below will occur in the Inner Harbour area during daytime today, while more significant flooding will occur in low-lying areas during daytime tomorrow due to the joint effect of storm surge, according to the weather bureau.
As of 7 am, Saola was located about 310 km east of Macau, moving west-northwestward towards the eastern Guangdong coastal area – faster than expected. It will then continue to approach Pearl River Estuary and will be the closest to the estuary during daytime tomorrow, during which Macao will be impacted with chances of flooding level reaching between 1-1.5 metres in low-lying areas.
The possibility of issuing the Orange storm surge warning is relatively high and if Saola makes a direct hit to the Pearl River Estuary, the Red storm surge warning or above may be issued.
As the winds over the bridges are expected to be strong and gusty, drivers are advised to pay attention to traffic safety. Motorcyclists should travel between the Macau Peninsula and Taipa through the motorcycle lane on Sai Van Bridge. The public is advised to pay attention to the latest weather information and take precautions against strong winds and flooding in advance.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory issued Typhoon Signal No. 8 at 2:40 am. (Wong Kin Ang)
Image: A screenshot from SMG’s website
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