Hong Kong to assess typhoon warning as Tropical Storm Narra nears Guangdong coast

Hong Kong’s Weather Observatory is set to evaluate the possibility of issuing a typhoon warning next week as Tropical Storm Narra draws nearer to the Guangdong coast in mainland China. According to the Observatory, the storm is anticipated to linger near Beibu Wan, also referred to as the Gulf of Tonkin, before potentially shifting eastward or northeastward early next week.

The weather forecaster has pledged to continuously monitor the storm's trajectory and evolving wind conditions, and determine whether a tropical cyclone warning signal is necessary early next week.

Narra, named after a tree species in the Philippines, is projected to approach the Leizhou Peninsula and western Guangdong coastline. The coming week is expected to bring cloudy and rainy weather, with increasing wind speeds and occasional heavy showers as well as squally thunderstorms from early to midweek. Clear skies are not expected to return until Friday.

As of 8am on Saturday, Narra was located approximately 650km (403 miles) west of Hong Kong, with maximum sustained winds of 65km/h (40mph) at its center. The tropical storm is expected to intensify in the coming days. The Observatory has forecast Narra's maximum sustained wind speed to rise to 85km/h on Sunday and Monday. By Wednesday, Narra is expected to weaken into a tropical depression, with winds decreasing to 55km/h.

The No 1 standby signal may be issued if a tropical cyclone is centered within about 800km of Hong Kong and poses a threat to the city.