Showers, strong winds and big waves set to hit Hong Kong over weekend
Authorities warn against water sports or activities at popular beaches due to expected weather changes
Hongkongers hoping for a weekend of bliss on the beach may have to rethink their plans, with the government warning swimmers to stay out of the water due to large waves and unsettled weather.
On Saturday morning the Leisure and Cultural Services Department advised people against swimming at a number of popular beaches due to big waves.
These include Shek O, Big Wave Bay and Stanley beaches on Hong Kong Island; Upper Cheung Sha and Tong Fuk beaches in Islands District; and Clear Water Bay first and second beaches in Sai Kung District.
“Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches,” the department said in a statement.
The Hong Kong Observatory is also warning people heading out to sea or engaging in water sports to take note of weather changes caused by a subtropical ridge over south-eastern China.
On Saturday afternoon the Observatory issued a thunderstorm warning.
It said gusts of up to 70km/h had been recorded at Cheung Chau, and could be expected to hit the main city.
Hongkongers are advised to stay indoors or seek shelter.
The Observatory said the poor weather was due to an area of low pressure over the central part of the South China Sea, bringing unsettled weather to the region. Conditions are expected to intensify over the next few days.
At 1.25pm, authorities warned that the city is bracing itself for thunderstorms and winds of 70km/h or more.
Hong Kong is expected to experience cloudy weather, occasional showers and squally thunderstorms on Saturday, which are set to continue over the next couple of days, according to forecasts.
Although the low pressure area will stay at a distance of more than 500km from the city, it will be windier with showers over the northern part of the South China Sea over the weekend.
