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Hong Kong has been placed under Storm Signal Number 3 by the Hong Kong Observatory - a department of the Hong Kong government - as a result of the threat of Tropical Storm Nalgae hitting the local area.

The tropical cyclone warning means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour are expected.

At the port of Hong Kong, bunker deliveries have been halted following the weather warning.

In its latest shipping update issued at 16:00 hours local time, the Hong Kong Observatory said: "At 030600 UTC, Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae (1119) with central pressure 985 hectopascals was centred within 60 nautical miles of one seven point seven degrees north (17.7 N) one one three point six degrees east (113.6 E) and is forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 9 knots for the next 24 hours."

"Maximum winds near the centre are estimated to be 50 knots.
Radius of over 33 knot winds 120 nautical miles over northern semicircle, 90 nautical miles elsewhere.
Radius of over 47 knot winds 30 nautical miles.
Radius of over 2 metre waves 300 nautical miles over northern semicircle, 210 nautical miles elsewhere.

"Forecast position and intensity at 040600 UTC
One eight point one degrees north (18.1 N)
One one zero point five degrees east (110.5 E)
Maximum winds 50 knots.

"Forecast position and intensity at 050600 UTC
One eight point one degrees north (18.1 N)
One zero eight point two degrees east (108.2 E)
Maximum winds 45 knots.

"Forecast position and intensity at 060600 UTC
One six point six degrees north (16.6 N)
One zero five point nine degrees east (105.9 E)
Maximum winds 30 knots."

The Hong Kong Observatory's tropical cyclone warnings for shipping are issued about two hours after the time of observation. They incorporate additional information derived from surface and upper-air data.

In its last bulletin issued to the general public at 16:45 hours local time, the Hong Kong Observatory said: "At 5 p.m., Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae was estimated to be about 510 kilometres south of Hong Kong (near 17.7 degrees north 113.5 degrees east) and is forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 14 kilometres per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea in the general direction of Hainan Island.

"In the past few hours, Nalgae has shown signs of weakening. Hong Kong came increasingly under the influence of the monsoon and local winds remained mainly northerly, maintaining similar strength with occasional gales on high ground.

"When Nalgae moves away from Hong Kong and its influence on Hong Kong gradually diminishes this evening, the Observatory will consider replacing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 by the Strong Monsoon Signal.

"Tides are currently running about 0.7 metre above normal. A high water level of 3 metres above Chart Datum is expected between 10 p.m. tonight and 4 a.m. tomorrow morning. The high water level may cause flooding in low-lying areas."

Please find below a summary of Hong Kong's tropical cyclone warning signals.

Signal Number 1
Signal Name - Stand-by
Remarks - A tropical cyclone is centred within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and may later affect the territory, or there are strong winds in Hong Kong waters.

Signal Number 3
Signal Name - Strong winds
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - 41 - 62 (26-37, Beaufort Force 6-7)
Remarks - Strong winds are expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near the sea level, and the wind condition is expected to persist.

Signal Number 8 NE
Signal Name - Gale or storm force winds
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - 63 - 117 (38-73, Beaufort Force 8-11)
Remarks - Gale or storm force winds are expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near the sea level from the NE quadrant, and the wind condition is expected to persist.

Signal Number 8 NW
Signal Name - Gale or storm force winds
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - 63 - 117 (38-73, Beaufort Force 8-11)
Remarks - Gale or storm force winds are expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near the sea level from the NW quadrant, and the wind condition is expected to persist.

Signal Number 8 SE
Signal Name - Gale or storm force winds
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - 63 - 117 (38-73, Beaufort Force 8-11)
Remarks - Gale or storm force winds are expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near the sea level from the SE quadrant, and the wind condition is expected to persist.

Signal Number 8 SW
Signal Name - Gale or storm force winds
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - 63 - 117 (38-73, Beaufort Force 8-11)
Remarks - Gale or storm force winds are expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near the sea level from the SW quadrant, and the wind condition is expected to persist.

Signal Number 9
Signal Name - Increasing gale or storm force winds
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - 88 - 117, increasing (55-73, Beaufort Force 10-11)
Remarks - Gale or storm force winds are increasing.

Signal Number 10
Signal Name - Typhoon
Sustained Wind Speed (km/hr, (mph, Beaufort scale)) - >118 (74+, Beaufort Force 12)
Remarks - Hurricane force winds. Eye of typhoon may be passing directly over Hong Kong.