“Lionrock will be closest to Hong Kong tomorrow morning, skirting about 500 kilometers to the southwest of the territory,” the observatory said.

The tropical storm was estimated to be about 530 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong as of 7pm. With the Signal No. 3 now in force, the public should expect winds with mean speed of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour.

The outer rainbands associated with Lionrock will bring widespread heavy rain to the coast of Guangdong, it added. Storm surge and heavy rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas in the meantime.

The public are advised to stay away from the shoreline, and not to engage in water sports.