Typhoon Wipha lashed Hong Kong and Macau on Sunday with torrential rain and fierce winds, as the storm intensified while approaching mainland China. The Hong Kong Observatory reported sustained winds of up to 106 miles per hour, akin to a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane, as the typhoon skirted the southern region of Hong Kong.
As the storm barreled west toward Macau—the renowned gambling hub—and was predicted to make landfall near the coastal cities of Shenzhen and Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province, local meteorological authorities projected that Wipha would maintain its powerful intensity upon hitting the land. The highest No. 10 hurricane signal was issued for the first time since 2023 in Hong Kong, while comparable warnings were enacted in Macau, urging citizens to stay indoors to avoid potential hazards from flying debris.
In response to the approaching storm, Hong Kong International Airport reported significant disruptions with over 400 flights rescheduled, while nearly 200 flights were canceled at Macau International Airport, as confirmed by local media. In light of the impending danger, some southern Chinese cities took precautionary measures by closing schools, workplaces, and ports and suspending train services.
Zhuhai, a city with a considerable population of around 2.5 million, followed suit by shutting down construction sites, parks, ferries, piers, and outdoor recreational areas. Similarly, Zhanjiang declared school closures and halted various work operations.
Post-landfall, meteorological forecasts suggest that Wipha will continue its trajectory across southern China before potentially moving offshore and impacting Vietnam. This developing situation will require close monitoring as authorities assess the damage and manage the public safety response.
As the storm barreled west toward Macau—the renowned gambling hub—and was predicted to make landfall near the coastal cities of Shenzhen and Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province, local meteorological authorities projected that Wipha would maintain its powerful intensity upon hitting the land. The highest No. 10 hurricane signal was issued for the first time since 2023 in Hong Kong, while comparable warnings were enacted in Macau, urging citizens to stay indoors to avoid potential hazards from flying debris.
In response to the approaching storm, Hong Kong International Airport reported significant disruptions with over 400 flights rescheduled, while nearly 200 flights were canceled at Macau International Airport, as confirmed by local media. In light of the impending danger, some southern Chinese cities took precautionary measures by closing schools, workplaces, and ports and suspending train services.
Zhuhai, a city with a considerable population of around 2.5 million, followed suit by shutting down construction sites, parks, ferries, piers, and outdoor recreational areas. Similarly, Zhanjiang declared school closures and halted various work operations.
Post-landfall, meteorological forecasts suggest that Wipha will continue its trajectory across southern China before potentially moving offshore and impacting Vietnam. This developing situation will require close monitoring as authorities assess the damage and manage the public safety response.
