The Hong Kong Observatory raised the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 typhoon warning signal (T3) early on Sunday and said it will remain in force for most of the day as Tropical Storm Tapah moved closer to the city.

The observatory issued the T3 warning signal at 2:45 am as Tapah intensified as it moved across the northern part of the South China Sea. The HKO added that the territory can expect winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour.

“Locally, strong winds have prevailed offshore and on high ground. Winds are expected to further strengthen. The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 will remain in force for most of the time during the day today,” the HKO said.

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With the T3 signal in force, the Education Bureau said that classes of kindergartens and schools for children with physical or mental disabilities were suspended on Sunday.

At 1 pm, Tapah was estimated to be about 380 kilometers south of Hong Kong and wass forecast to move north-northwest at about 16 kilometers per hour, edging closer to the western coast of Guangdong.

Based on its present forecast, the tropical storm will further intensify and skirt around 200 kilometers to the southwest of Hong Kong on Monday morning, the observatory said.

Depending on Tapah’s intensification and distance to Hong Kong, the HKO said it will assess the need to issue higher tropical cyclone warning signals on Sunday night.

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“Showers will be heavy later. There will still be heavy squally showers tomorrow and it will be windy at first. Seas will be rough with swells,” the observatory said.

It urged members of the public stay away from the shoreline and avoid water sports, adding that flooding may occur over parts of low-lying coastal areas on Monday morning due to the storm surge.