The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) announced that, according to the present forecast, Wipha will enter within 800 km of Hong Kong tonight (18th) to early Saturday (19th). The Observatory will issue the Standby Signal, No. 1 by then. Wipha is expected to intensify progressively and edge closer to the vicinity of the coast of western Guangdong afterwards. Its associated strong winds and outer rainbands will also affect the territory gradually. There will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms later on Saturday to Monday. It will be windy and seas will be rough with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports. The HKO will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 during the day on Saturday. Depending on the distance between Wipha and the Pearl River Estuary, its intensity and the change in local wind conditions, the HKO will assess the need of issuing higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals on Sunday.