At 10am local time, Severe Tropical Storm Ma-on was estimated to be about 470 km southeast of Hong Kong (near 19.3 degrees north 117.4 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 km per hour in the general direction of the coast of western Guangdong, and intensify gradually.
According to the Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 09.45 HKT today (24 August), Ma-on has tracked steadily towards the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary. The Observatory will issue the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 between noon and 2 p.m. today. Standby Signal No.1 is in force.
The outer rainbands associated with Ma-on will bring squally showers and thunderstorms to Hong Kong later today and local winds will strengthen rapidly tonight. The Observatory will consider issuing the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal between 6pm and 9pm. There will be rough to high seas and swells tonight.
According to the present forecast track, Ma-on is expected to be closest to Hong Kong tomorrow morning and may skirt within about 200 kilometres south-southwest of the territory, posing a considerable threat to the territory. Under the influence of storm surge and astronomical high tide, low-lying areas may be flooded or have backflow of seawater tomorrow morning.
