The weather watchdog advised the public to complete all precautions as soon as possible and stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

At 7pm, Chaba was estimated to be about 360 kilometres south-southwest of Hong Kong and is forecast to move northwest at about 16 kilometres per hour in the general direction of the coast of western Guangdong.

According to the present forecast track, Chaba will be closest to Hong Kong tonight and tomorrow morning (July 2), skirting about 300 kilometres to the southwest of the territory.

Gale force winds are affecting many places of Hong Kong while winds on high ground even reach storm force occasionally. Local winds will turn gradually from the east to the southeast. Some places may become more exposed. Members of the public are advised to take note of the latest weather information before leaving home on Saturday morning.

The rainbands associated with Chaba will bring occasional heavy showers and violent gusts to Hong Kong. Seas are very rough with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline, and not to engage in water sports.

In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Waglan Island and Cheung Chau Beach were 69 and 71 kilometres per hour with maximum gusts 83 and 90 kilometres per hour respectively.

The Home Affairs Department has opened temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation.