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The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said today (July 10) that Tropical Cyclone Linfa (Linfa) edged towards the coast of Guangdong yesterday. HKO issued the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 at 8.40am yesterday (July 9).
Linfa intensified into a Typhoon at 6am yesterday. In a collaboration between HKO and the Government Flying Service, a fixed-wing aircraft undertook meteorological observations in the vicinity of the eye of Linfa. According to the aircraft data obtained, hurricane force winds (118 kilometres per hour or above) were recorded near the eye of Linfa between 7am and 9am, and gale force winds also extended to about 100 kilometres (Figure 1). At that time, Linfa was expected to move west or west-southwest, coming very close to Hong Kong in the evening and posing a threat to Hong Kong. Just before Linfa make landfall near Lufeng, Guangdong Province, its eye structure remained intact (Figure 2). Based on the available meteorological data at that time and out of prime concern for public safety, HKO issued the Pre-No.8 Announcement at 2.40pm yesterday, and then the No.8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal at 4.40pm the same day.
Winds strengthened generally over Hong Kong yesterday afternoon, with strong winds recorded over many places. Linfa subsequently moved slightly further inland and weakened rapidly over Guangdong. Although Shenzhen, which is just north of Hong Kong, recorded gale force winds in the afternoon, and occasional gales were also recorded on high ground locally, the circulation and area of gales associated with Linfa became significantly smaller. The general occurrence of gale force winds just missed the Hong Kong territory. When the threat of gales had vanished, HKO replaced the No. 8 signal by the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 at 10.10pm yesterday.
Limited by the state-of-the-art of science, forecasting the intensity change of tropical cyclones remains a challenge for the meteorological community. HKO will endeavor to continuously improve its forecasting techniques.
Ends/Friday, July 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 01:21
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