ShekouDaily | June 11, 2017
UPDATE: 7:30PM 3/13/17: At 6:45pm, the HKO issued the following weather forecast for today and tomorrow: “Mainly cloudy with a few showers. There will be isolated thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow morning. Sunny intervals in the afternoon. Temperatures will range between 26 and 31 degrees. Moderate southwesterly winds, occasionally fresh. Outlook: Sunny intervals on Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms in the following couple of days.”
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UPDATE: 3:20pm 3/13/17: At 2:40pm, the HKO extended the Thunderstorm warning to 4:30pm today. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when thunderstorms occur:
1. Stay indoors. Seek shelter in buildings if you are engaging in outdoor activities.
2. Do not stand on high grounds. Keep away from highly conductive objects, trees or masts.
At 2:45, the HKO issued the following weather forecast for this afternoon and tonight: “Cloudy with showers and a few squally thunderstorms. There will be swells. Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds, occasionally strong offshore and on high ground. There will still be showers in the next couple of days.”
Click here for photos and videos of the flooding caused by Merbok.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 1pm 6/13/17: At 12:31pm, the HKO issued the following notice: “Though rainstorm warning has been cancelled, people should stay alert to the danger that may be brought about by river flooding.”
UPDATE: 12:10pm 6/13/17: At 11:50am, the HK issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal Special Announcement. “The Rainstorm Warning Signal is now Amber. This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk posed by the heavy rain and flooding. Heavy rain may bring about flash floods. People should stay away from watercourses. People who are likely to be affected by flooding should take necessary precautions to avoid losses.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 11:20am 6/13/17: At 11:10am, the HKO cancelled all Tropical Cyclone signals and issued the following announcement: “At 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Merbok was centred about 240 kilometres north-northeast of Hong Kong (near 24.3 degrees north 115.1 degrees east) and is forecast to move north-northeast at about 18 kilometres per hour across Guangdong and weaken gradually. With Merbok weakening and moving away from Hong Kong, local winds moderated gradually. A southwesterly airstream is prevailing over the coast of Guangdong. There will still be occasional strong winds in some areas of the territory and swells over the sea at first. Members of the public should remain on the alert.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 10:35AM 6/13/17: At 10am, Shenzhen China Merchants Shekou International Cruise Terminal Co. Ltd. announced that all ferry service to and from Shekou will resume after 12 noon today after being suspended yesterday at 1pm ahead of Tropical Cyclone Merbok. Click here for further Merbok updates regarding Shekou Ferry Service.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 10:10am 6/1317: At 9:45am, the HKO issued the following statement: “In the past few hours, winds in Hong Kong moderated gradually. However, strong winds are still affecting parts of the territory. The rainbands of Merbok are also bringing heavy rain and squalls to Hong Kong. Members of the public should refer to the corresponding warnings.” At the same time, they issued the following weather forecast for today: “Strong southwesterly winds, occasionally gale force offshore and on high ground. Cloudy with heavy squally showers and a few thunderstorms. Seas will be rough with swells. Winds will moderate gradually and showers will ease off later.”
Shenzhen’s Flood Warning is still in effect. Click here for details, photos and videos. Take care!
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 9:30am: Shenzhen issues Flood warning. Click here for details, photos and videos. Take care!
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 9:05am: At 8:45 am, the HKO announced a Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 and a Red Rainstorm Warning Signal. This means that “winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour are expected and heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 50 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.
At 9 a.m., Tropical Storm Merbok was estimated to be about 220 kilometres north-northeast of Hong Kong (near 24.2 degrees north 114.9 degrees east) and is forecast to move north or north-northeast at about 18 kilometres per hour across Guangdong and weaken gradually.
Further heavy rain could cause, if not already caused, serious road flooding and traffic congestion and could disrupt normal school hours… Heavy rain will bring flash floods, and flooding is occurring or is expected to occur in watercourses. People should stay away from watercourses. Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions and should consider evacuation if their homes may become flooded.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UDPATE: 8:10am 6/13/17: Current Shenzhen city alerts are as follows: Blue typhoon warning, yellow Thunderstorm warning and Orange Rainstorm warning. Public schools are open today; however, ferry service is still suspended. Check back after 10am for news about when ferry services may restart.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 8:00am 6/13/17: At 6:00am, The HKO announced that “Tropical Storm Merbok was estimated to be about 150 kilometres north-northeast of Hong Kong (near 23.6 degrees north 114.7 degrees east) and is forecast to move north or north-northeast at about 18 kilometres per hour into inland Guangdong and weaken gradually.
At 7:45am, announced that “Strong winds are still affecting Hong Kong with occasionally gales offshore and on high ground. According to the present situations, Strong Wind Signal, No.3 will remain in force for most of the time in the morning. When strong winds no longer affect Hong Kong, the Observatory will cancel all the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 3:05AM 6/13/17: At 2:50am, the HKO issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal. “The Rainstorm Warning Signal is now Amber. This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk posed by the heavy rain and flooding. Heavy rain may bring about flash floods. People should stay away from watercourses. People who are likely to be affected by flooding should take necessary precautions to avoid losses.”
At 2:55am, the following announcement was made: “With Merbok departing gradually, local winds are weakening. The Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No.3 in the next two hours. From midnight to 3 a.m., over 20 millimetres of rainfall have been recorded generally over the territory. Under the continued influence of the rainbands of Merbok in the morning, there will be heavy rain and squalls in Hong Kong. Members of the public should stay on the alert.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 11:55PM 6/12/17: At 11:45pm, the HKO announced htat Severe Tropical Storm Merbok has made landfall over Mirs Peninsula and weakened into a tropical storm.
At 11:10pm, the HKO issued a Thunderstorm Warning; which will be valid until 1:15 a.m. tomorrow. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when thunderstorms occur:
1. Stay indoors. Seek shelter in buildings if you are engaging in outdoor activities.
2. Do not stand on high grounds. Keep away from highly conductive objects, trees or masts.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
UPDATE: 10:00PM 6/12/17: The HKO issued the following announcement at 9:45pm: “Merbok is expected to make landfall near the eastern part of Hong Kong in the next couple of hours, bringing gales and heavy rain to parts of the territory. Local wind direction is changing from northeast to northwest as Merbok crosses the eastern waters of Hong Kong. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed. Members of the public should stay on the alert. The Number 8 Gale or Storm Signal is expected to remain in force tonight”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 6:50pm 6/12/17: The HKO issued the following announcement at 6:45pm: “Merbok is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Hong Kong in the next few hours, bringing gales and heavy rain to parts of the territory. Local wind directions will change significantly when Merbok passes over Hong Kong. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed. Members of the public should stay on the alert. The Number 8 Gale or Storm Signal is expected to remain in force tonight.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 3:45PM 6/12/17: The HKO issued the following announcement at 5:20pm: “The No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal was issued at 5:20 p.m. This means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected from the northeast quarter. At 5 p.m., Tropical Storm Merbok was centred about 90 kilometres south-southeast of Hong Kong Observatory (near 21.6 degrees north 114.5 degrees east) and is forecast to move north-northwest at about 20 kilometres per hour in the general direction of Hong Kong. In the past few hours, local winds were strengthening as Merbok continued to edge closer to Hong Kong. According to the current forecast track, Merbok is expected to make landfall within 50 kilometers of Hong Kong before midnight tonight. Its centre may even pass over Hong Kong, bringing gales and heavy rain to parts of the territory. Members of the public should stay on the alert. The Number 8 Gale or Storm Signal is expected to remain in force tonight.”
(Precautionary Announcements with No. 8 Signal)
1. Complete all precautions in your home. Lock all windows and doors, fit bars into position and insert reinforced shutters and gates if they are available. Adhesive tape fixed to large window-panes in exposed positions will reduce damage by broken glass. Storm water drains should be cleared of leaves and rubbish.
2. Park your car where it is least likely to be damaged.
3. Do not stand near windows on the exposed side of your home. Move all furniture and valuables away from these areas. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter, should windows be broken.
4. Owners of neon signs are reminded that they should now arrange for the electricity supply to their signs to be cut off.
5. Please listen to radio or watch TV for the latest weather information broadcast. You can also browse the Hong Kong Observatory’s web site for the information.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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The HKO made the following announcement at 3:30pm: “The Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number 8 is expected to be issued at or before 5:30 p.m. today (12 Jun 2017). Winds locally will strengthen further. (12-06-2017 15:30)”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 2:00pm 6/12/17: The Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau upgraded the city’s blue warning from to yellow at 1:00pm today and have suspended classes at all city nursery, kindergarten and primary and secondary schools.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 1:00pm 6/12/17: All ferry service coming to or leaving from Shekou have been cancelled. Click here for details and updates.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 11:05am 6/12/17: At 10:45am, the HKO updated their forecast; adding that it “will consider later in the afternoon the need to issue the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8. As the sea will be rough and there are swells, members of the public should stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.”
Additionally, they put the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 into effect at that time. “This means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour are expected. At 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Merbok was estimated to be about 210 kilometres south-southeast of Hong Kong (near 20.6 degrees north 115.1 degrees east) and is forecast to move north-northwest at about 20 kilometres per hour towards the coast of Guangdong.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 9:55am 6/12/17: At 9:45am, the HKO released the following weather update: “Local winds strengthened gradually this morning. The Observatory will issue the Strong Wind Signal No.3 before noon today. According to the current forecast track, Merbok is expected to make landfall within 100 kilometres of Hong Kong around midnight tonight. Under the influence of the outer rain bands of Merbok, showers will become more frequent in Hong Kong. Showers will be heavy with winds strengthening further later today. As there will be sea swells, members of the public should stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 7:30am 6/12/17: At 7:05am, the HKO released the following weather forecast for today: “Mainly cloudy with occasional squally showers. Showers will be heavy tonight. The maximum temperature will be about 32 degrees during the day. Moderate to fresh easterly winds, becoming northwesterlies and winds will strengthen later. There will be swells.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 7:00am 6/12/17: At 6:45am, the HKO announced it would consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No.3 between 10 a.m. and noon today.
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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UPDATE: 6:15am 6/12/17:
The HKO released the following announcement at 4:45am: “Merbok took on a more northwesterly track and continued to edge closer to the coast of Guangdong in the small hours today. According to the latest forecast track, Merbok is expected to make landfall within 100 kilometres of Hong Kong around midnight tomorrow.
Local winds will strengthen gradually during the day. The Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No.3 in the morning. As Merbok edges closer, local weather will be unsettled with occasional squally showers today. Showers will be heavy with strengthening winds tonight. As there will be sea swells, members of the public should stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.”
We’ll continue to update this post with more information.
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Original Post below:
The Standby Signal, No. 1, Tropical Cyclone Warning Bulletin, was first issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 7:40pm Sunday evening and is currently in force.
At 10 p.m., Tropical Storm Merbok was estimated to be about 510 kilometres south-southeast of Hong Kong (near 18.2 degrees north 116.3 degrees east) and is forecast to move north at about 20 kilometres per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea.
Dispatched by Hong Kong Observatory at 21:45 HKT on 11.06.2017
According to the HKO, “Merbok will move northwards across the northern part of the South China Sea and will make landfall over Guangdong between Monday night and Tuesday morning.”
(Precautionary Announcements with No. 1 Signal)
1. People living in wooden huts and in low-lying areas should take necessary precautions against strong winds and flooding.
2. Those who have definite duties during a tropical cyclone should now remain on call or contact their control centres from time to time.
3. If you are planning to visit Guangdong, Macau, any of the off-shore islands or remote parts of Hong Kong, you are reminded that changes in weather may affect your plans.
4. Since there may be swells, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
5. 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.
6. Listen to radio, watch TV or browse the Hong Kong Observatory’s web site for information on the tropical cyclone.