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Hong Kong braces for Typhoon Nesat


Barely had Typhoon Pedring (international name: Nesat) exited Philippine territory Wednesday when Hong Kong has started bracing for it. On Wednesday, the Hong Kong Observatory issued Standby Signal No. 1, meaning the cyclone is within 800 km of Hong Kong and may affect it. "At noon, Typhoon Nesat was estimated to be about 570 km south southeast of Hong Kong... and is forecast to move west or west northwest at about 22 kph across the northern part of the South China Sea in the general direction of Hainan Island to western Guangdong," it said. "Local weather will deteriorate with squally showers later today and winds will continue to strengthen," it added. Earlier, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecaster Gener Quitlong said Pedring is likely to exit Philippine territory at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The HKO said Nesat continued to track west to west northwest steadily in the past few hours. It said that as Nesat edges closer to the coast of Guangdong, local winds are strengthening gradually with rough seas. "The public should be on the alert," it said, adding it may issue the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 Wednesday evening. Precautions The HKO advised residents to take precautions now, including:

  • Gutters and drains should be cleared of obstructions. Hinges, bolts, locks and shutters of windows and doors should be checked.
  • Those who have definite duties during a tropical cyclone should now remain on call or contact their control centres from time to time.
  • Those planning to visit Guangdong, Macau, any of the off-shore islands or remote parts of Hong Kong should consider the changes in weather in their plans.
  • Keep away from the shoreline and do not engage in water sports.
  • Owners of shop signs, advertisements and TV aerials which overhang public thoroughfares or which are situated on tops of buildings should make sure that the fastenings and framework of these structures are secured.
  • All small vessels including low power vessels and fishing vessels in open sea should seek shelter as soon as possible. Please take any precautions necessary for small vessels and secure them properly with moorings.
  • Listen to radio, watch TV or browse the Hong Kong Observatory's web site for information on the tropical cyclone. — RSJ, GMA News
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