The Hong Kong Observatory said the typhoon signal No 1 will remain in force until at leat 8 pm on Sunday as a tropical depression edged closer to the city.   

The observatory had raised the Standby Signal No. 1 on Saturday night after the tropical depression, which is moving towards the vicinity of Hainan, came within 800 kilometers of Hong Kong.

ALSO READ: HK cancels T1 signal, issues amber rainstorm alert as Podul departs

"The Standby Signal, No 1 will remain in force at least until 8 pm tonight. The need for issuance of the Strong Wind Signal, No 3 thereafter depends on the distance between its associated strong winds and the Pearl River Estuary, and the change in local winds," the HKO said.

As of 11 am, the tropical depression was estimated to be about 640 kilometers south-southwest of Hong Kong and was forecast to move northwest at about 18 kilometers per hour in the general direction of the vicinity of Hainan Island.

READ MORE: HK to issue T1 signal Wednesday as typhoon Podul nears

There will be occasional squally showers with thunderstorms, and showers will be heavier at times, while seas will be rough with swells, the observatory said, adding that members of the public should stay away from the shoreline.