“Noul is moving steadily into inland Guangdong and weakening progressively, but gales are still affecting many places over Hong Kong, with occasional storm-force winds offshore and over high ground,” the weather forecaster said on Sunday.

“The gale or storm signal No 8 will remain in force at least until noon. Depending on the degree of weakening of local winds, the Observatory will then consider issuing the strong wind signal, No 3.”

At 8am, Noul was centred about 80km (50 miles) north-northeast of Hong Kong and is forecast to move northwest or north-northwest at about 15km/h crossing inland Guangdong.

The forecaster said under the influence of rainbands associated with Noul, there would be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms on Sunday.