Primary, infant, and special education classes have been suspended in Macao today, as tropical storm Toraji skirts the territory and the no. 3 typhoon signal remains in force.
According to the latest bulletin from the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (known as the SMG after its Portuguese initials), at 6 am Toraji was estimated to be about 160 kilometres south-southeast of Macao.
It is forecast to move slowly toward the Pearl River Estuary, coming within 150 kilometres of the territory, before veering south.
[See more: Global climate change is behind the rise in severe typhoons]
As Toraji is weakening gradually, the SMG advises that the possibility of a no. 8 signal being hoisted is “low to medium.” However, the higher signal has been in force in neighbouring Hong Kong overnight – the latest time in the year that a no. 8 signal has been raised there since records began.
Meteorologists warn that under the influence of Toraji’s rainbands, frequent showers will be affecting Macao today and some areas to the south of Inner Harbor may experience slight flooding tonight owing to elevated tides.
Authorities last night issued a statement saying that the Macau Grand Prix – the biggest event on the city’s sporting calendar and due to begin tomorrow – would continue in the event of a no. 3 signal.
