HKO issues No.9 Typhoon signal amid Noul's arrival

[Updated at 01:24]

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the No. 9 signal at 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, July 26. It is expected to remain in force until at least 7:00 a.m.

[00:35]

The Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 is currently in effect, with the Observatory considering to upgrade the signal to No. 9 between 1 and 2 a.m.

This as several areas across the city as well as air traffic have been affected by oncoming Typhoon Noul.

As Typhoon Noul edges ever closer to Hong Kong, the city has been dealing with stronger winds and heavier showers over the course of the day.

Reaching nighttime, the Observatory announced that it is considering to further raise the typhoon signal from the current Gale or Storm No. 8 signal to No. 9.

According to the present forecast track, Noul will make landfall over the vicinity of Huizhou and Shanwei on Sunday morning, skirting around 100 kilometres northeast of Hong Kong. Local winds will strengthen significantly overnight.

The Observatory will consider issuing the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No. 9 between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Sunday. Under the influence of the rainbands of Noul, there will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms on Sunday over the territory.

Overcast defined much of Hong Kong's weather earlier today as occasional showers prepared the city for the arrival of Typhoon Noul.

On Castle Peak Road in Cheung Sha Wan, the scaffolding outside of a building undergoing construction was suspected of being partially blown off.

Fire Services personnel were deployed on site to investigate the situation. No injuries have been reported so far.

On Oi Yin Street in Shau Kei Wan, a tree that stood 10-metres tall was suspected of being uprooted by strong gusts. Several of its branches fell on a private car and blocked the path for pedestrians in the area.

At around 4pm in Kwun Tong, a 2-metre-tall hoarding installed at a construction site on Hoi Yuen Road was suspected of being blown over before falling on top of a passerby. He received light injuries to the hand and was rescued by other pedestrians.