The Government said today classes at all schools will remain suspended tomorrow as it geared up contingency measures ahead of an expected rise in the water level along the city’s eastern coasts tonight and in Victoria Harbour and other coastal areas tomorrow.

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said that as Super Typhoon Saola continues to edge closer to the city, the weather will deteriorate, with heavy squally showers and violent winds assailing Hong Kong under Saola’s rainbands.

Influenced by storm surge, the water level in low-lying coastal areas will rise rapidly tonight. There may be serious flooding and the maximum sea level may be similar to that recorded when Mangkhut hit Hong Kong in 2018.

The HKO forecasts that the water level in eastern coastal waters of the territory will increase from around 9pm tonight. Around midnight, the water level at Tolo Harbour will reach about 3 metres or above, higher than the normal tide level. The maximum water level may reach a historical record high.

The worst hit areas will include the Shing Mun River, Tai Po, Sha Tau Kok and Sai Kung, the HKO added.

It also forecasts that the water levels in other coastal areas of the city, including Victoria Harbour, will start to rise significantly from around 6am tomorrow. The water level in low-lying coastal areas such as Lei Yue Mun will be around 1.5m higher than the normal tide level, while that at Tai O will be nearly 2m above the normal tide level.

During the massive storm’s passage, coastal low-lying or windy areas are susceptible to the risk of flooding. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has implemented measures at relevant locations to ensure the drainage system’s capacity.

To enhance public alertness, the “smart flood prevention system” installed at the riparian area of Shing Mun River allows citizens to obtain real-time images of the water level, as well as weather and tidal information and flood warning messages announced by the Government. The images and information are projected on display panels, via smart poles, and online.

In recent days, district offices have been reminding residents in the above-mentioned flood-prone areas to take precautions.

Besides arranging for at-risk residents to be moved to safe places or temporary shelters, the district offices, together with other government departments, have also assisted residents in taking precautionary measures against the tropical cyclone.

The Home Affairs Department has set up an emergency hotline number, 2572 8427, to handle public enquiries. Meanwhile, numerous temporary shelters operated by district offices have opened their doors to people in need.

For their part, Police have enhanced patrols in high-risk spots and advised members of the public to stay away from shorelines.

Separately, the Government Flying Service dispatched a Challenger 605 fixed-wing aircraft this morning to collect meteorological data near the eye of Super Typhoon Saola.

The Government also urged members of the public to stay indoors when the tropical cyclone is in force and to stay tuned to the latest warning messages issued by the HKO and other relevant departments and groups.