The weatherman will assess the need to issue the higher Strong Wind Signal No 3 between later tomorrow and Saturday morning.
Acting senior scientific officer Tse Wai-po said Wutip was estimated to be about 730 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong at 5 pm.
It is forecast to move northwest in the general direction of the western part of Hainan and intensify slightly before moving towards Beibu Wan to Leizhou Peninsula.
Tse said Wutip will edge slightly closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary over the weekend.
“Winds are expected to strengthen gradually on Saturday generally over the territories and up to gale force on high ground. There will be occasional heavy squally showers,” he said.
Tse added that the weather will be cloudy with occasional squally showers and thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow, with more frequent showers tomorrow.
He urged the pubic to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.