HKO to issue No. 8 signal at 2.40am
The Hong Kong Observatory said it will issue the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 at 2.40am on Friday. It said that according to the present forecast, Saola would be rather close to the SAR on Friday "and will pose a threat to Hong Kong."   It said it expected the weather to deteriorate significantly, with heavy squally showers and violent winds, during the day. The Observatory also warned that the storm surge could cause serious flooding in low-lying coastal areas, but this depended on the intensity and location of Saola when it skirts the territory. It also warned of swells and advised members of the public to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.