Typhoon signal 8 was hoisted yesterday evening after tropical storm “Goni” intensified into a severe tropical storm which zig-zagged its way to the coast.
“A tropical cyclone alert is now in effect and the signal number 8 is hoisted. This means that the centre of a tropical cyclone is nearing and winds recorded in the MSAR, from the quarter indicated, may possibly range from 63 to 117 kilometres per hour with gusts reaching about 180 kilometres per hour,” the Weather Bureau said yesterday.
At 8pm last night, “Goni” was estimated to be about 77 kilometres SSW of Macau, and was moving NNW at around 10 kilometres per hour.
The Weather Bureau said that if the tropical storm continues its present track, it will be moving close to the west of the Pearl River Delta.
The storm surge warning Red signal will be effective at 4am today and water level of 0.8 meters above the pavement is forecast at 8am this morning. After typhoon “Hagupit” last year devastated a number of shop owners in low-lying areas, this year shop owners are taking precautionary measures by removing goods from the grounds and lower shelves.
Classes of all schools are suspended while signal 8 remains hoisted. Children should remain indoors, windows should be safely bolted, plants and vases should be safely secured. Bridges will be closed to traffic expect for the tunnel in the Sai Van Bridge.