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Hong Kong is due to be placed under Storm Signal Number 8 by the Hong Kong Observatory - a department of the Hong Kong government - as a result of the threat of Tropical Storm Kai-tak hitting the local area.

The tropical cyclone warning means that winds with mean speeds of 63 - 117 (38-73 miles per hour, Beaufort Force 8-11) are expected.

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

In a special announcement at 20:05 local time, the Hong Kong Observatory said: "Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number 8 is expected to be issued at or before 10:15 p.m. today (16 Aug 2012). Winds locally will strengthen further."

Currently, Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 is in force, which means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour are expected.

In an announcement made to the general public at 20:45 local time, the Hong Kong Observatory said: "At 9 p.m., Typhoon Kai-tak was estimated to be about 280 kilometres south of Hong Kong (near 19.8 degrees north 114.2 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour in the general direction of the coast of western Guangdong.

"During the past few hours, Typhoon KaiTak showed signs of intensification. With Kai-Tak coming closer to Hong Kong, winds are generally strong over Hong Kong with occasional gales over offshore areas and on high ground. According to the present forecast track, Kai-Tak is expected to come closest to Hong Kong tonight and tomorrow morning. Local winds will strengthen further overnight. The Observatory is expected to issue the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 at or before 10:15 p.m.

"In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Tate's Cairn and Waglan Island were 79 and 72 kilometres per hour respectively."

In its latest shipping update issued at 21:30 hours local time, the Hong Kong Observatory said: "At 161200 UTC, Typhoon Kai-tak (1213) with central pressure 965 hectopascals was centred within 30 nautical miles of one nine point eight degrees north (19.8 N) one one four point four degrees east (114.4 E) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 14 knots for the next 24 hours.

Maximum winds near the centre are estimated to be 70 knots.

Radius of over 33 knot winds 120 nautical miles.
Radius of over 47 knot winds 45 nautical miles.
Radius of over 63 knot winds 30 nautical miles.
Radius of over 2 metre waves 210 nautical miles.

Forecast position and intensity at 171200 UTC
Two one point six degrees north (21.6 N)
One zero eight point nine degrees east (108.9 E)
Maximum winds 60 knots.
Forecast position and intensity at 181200 UTC
Two two point five degrees north (22.5 N)
One zero two point six degrees east (102.6 E)
Maximum winds 25 knots.

Forecast position and intensity at 191200 UTC
Dissipated over land."

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.