The local observatory issued Standby Signal No. 1 at 10 p.m. today as Tropical Cyclone "Noul" approaches Macau.
The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) said in a statement that it expects Standby Signal No. 1 to remain in force at least until tomorrow morning.
The hoisting of Standby Signal No. 1 means that a tropical cyclone is centred within 800 km of Macau and may affect the region, the bureau noted.
According to the statement, there is a "medium to relatively high" probability that Strong Wind Signal No. 3 will be issued between tomorrow night and early Sunday.
The bureau said that, "according to the current forecast track, Tropical Cyclone 'Noul' is moving generally west-northwest towards the eastern coast of Guangdong".
"Noul" is expected to make landfall along the coast approximately 200 kilometres east of Macau between midnight and Sunday morning, the bureau added.
The observatory also stated that winds in Macau are expected to intensify tomorrow evening. Therefore, the probability of issuing Strong Wind Signal No. 3 remains medium to relatively high.
In terms of storm surges, the latest assessment indicated that the probability of issuing a Blue Storm Surge Warning was relatively low, the bureau said.
The weather station also noted that the weather is expected to be very hot tomorrow morning, with an increase in thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusts from the afternoon through to the evening.
According to the statement, as there was still uncertainty tonight concerning the tropical cyclone’s track and intensity, "the possibility that 'Noul' may make landfall further westward cannot be ruled out at this time."
"The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather information and take appropriate precautionary measures in a timely manner," the statement concluded.
