HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Observatory will issue the Standby Signal No. 1 between Friday night and early Saturday as a tropical cyclone currently located to the east of the Philippines is expected to enter within 800 kilometers of Hong Kong.

In a weather bulletin issued at 12:15 pm on Thursday, the HKO said that the tropical cyclone was expected to intensify gradually and move closer to the coast of western Guangdong. Its associated strong winds and outer rainbands will gradually begin to affect the territory.

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Heavy squally showers and thunderstorms are expected from late Saturday through Monday in Hong Kong, the observatory said, adding that members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and avoid engaging in water sports.

The observatory added that it will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 on Saturday, and possibly higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals on Sunday, depending on the cyclone’s proximity to the Pearl River Estuary, its intensity, and changes in local wind conditions.