Hong Kong Observatory upgraded its warning signal to No. 3 Strong Wind Signal on Thursday morning, as severe typhoon Megi approached the city.

The No. 3 signal, raised from No.1 Standby Signal issued Wednesday evening, means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour are expected.

Hong Kong Observatory estimated that severe typhoon Megi would be about 470 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong at 9 a.m., and would move north at about 8 kilometers per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea and gradually edge closer to the south China coast.

The No. 3 signal would remain effective for some time before the possible issuing of more serious warning signal, said the Hong Kong Observatory.

As the No. 3 warning signal was in force, the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong government announced early Thursday that classes at kindergartens, and schools for children with physical disability and for children with intellectual disability would be suspended on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Vocational Training Council also canceled classes for all Shine Skills Centers, providing training for people aged 15 and above, on Thursday.

Megi is the 13th typhoon and possibly the strongest of the kind to hit China this year.

Southern provinces like Hainan, Guangdong, and Fujian are bracing for heavy rains and strong winds.