Parts of the Philippines are still flooded as a result of Chanchu

The eye of the storm was expected to pass just east of Hong Kong on Wednesday before making landfall in China's Guangdong province.

Small ships and fishing boats have been warned to seek shelter and people told to keep away from the shoreline.

The tropical storm caused heavy rains and flash floods in the Philippines and left thousands of people homeless.

According to Hong Kong Observatory, Chanchu is currently travelling at speeds of 16 km/h (10mph) with winds of 157 km/h (98mph) near the storm's centre.

Severe weather warnings

The observatory says the storm is the strongest ever to be recorded in the South China Sea for the time of year.

Weather forecasters are warning of strong winds, squalls and heavy downpours.

Taiwan has also issued a sea warning, calling on all maritime traffic west and south of the island to prepare for strong winds.

In the Philippines, more than 600 homes were destroyed while more than 3,500 were partially damaged by gusts of up to 150km/h (93mph).