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

Hong Kong's weather bureau will evaluate on Monday whether to issue a typhoon warning as Tropical Storm Narra approaches the western coast of Guangdong province in mainland China. The Observatory forecast the storm will linger over Beibu Wan, also known as the Gulf of Tonkin, before possibly shifting east to northeast early next week. The Observatory will monitor the storm's movement and wind conditions, determining if a tropical cyclone warning is necessary early next week.

Narra, named after a Philippine tree species, is projected to approach the Leizhou Peninsula and western Guangdong coast. The coming week will bring cloudy and rainy weather, with coastal areas becoming windier and experiencing occasional heavy showers and squally thunderstorms. Clear skies are not expected until Friday.

As of 8 am on Saturday, Narra was approximately 650km (403 miles) west of Hong Kong, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) near its center. The storm is expected to intensify over the next few days. The Observatory estimates Narra's maximum sustained wind speed will reach 85 km/h on Sunday and Monday. The storm is anticipated to weaken into a tropical depression by Wednesday, with wind speeds dropping to 55 km/h.

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