John Lee, Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, ordered all emergency response departments to have their deployment and emergency response plans ready for possible threats.

Macao's Marine and Water Bureau warned all ports and ships to be alert about the coming storm and operate with caution, Xinhua reported, while the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau has started removing all lanterns and decorations for Mid-Autumn Festival, which may threaten people's safety. The festival falls on Sept 24.

Xinhua contributed to this story.