Typhoon Wipha unleashed its wrath on the territories of Hong Kong and Macau on Sunday, delivering torrential rains and powerful winds, as it progressed toward mainland China with strength comparable to a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane. With sustained winds reaching approximately 106 miles per hour, the storm wreaked havoc across Hong Kong, particularly along the southern coastline, where it generated heavy downpours and high sea swells, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
The typhoon, intensifying as it approached, was anticipated to slam into the bustling casino city of Macau before making landfall on the southern Chinese coast, particularly between Shenzhen and Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province, later in the day. Reports from China's meteorological agency indicated that Wipha's landfall would likely bring steady Category 2 winds.
For the first time since 2023, Hong Kong issued a No. 10 hurricane signal, the highest level on the scale, while Macau followed suit by issuing an equivalent advisory. Officials urged residents to remain inside and avoid windows due to the risk of debris and other flying hazards.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong International Airport faced significant disruptions, with more than 400 flights being rescheduled, and nearly 200 flights were canceled at Macau International Airport, according to statements from respective airport authorities.
In multiple cities in southern China, local governments responded by shutting down workplaces and ports, suspending train services, and canceling flights in preparation for the storm's onslaught. In Zhuhai, a city of approximately 2.5 million, authorities closed construction sites, parks, ferries, piers, and outdoor playgrounds. Similarly, Zhanjiang took precautionary measures, shutting down schools and several workplaces.
As the storm progresses, Wipha is expected to continue on its path across southern China, after which it could potentially head out to sea again, eventually reaching Vietnam, according to forecasts from China's meteorological services. This is an evolving situation with updates to follow as the storm develops.
