In a dramatic turn of events, Typhoon Wipha slammed into Hong Kong and Macau on Sunday, unleashing torrential rains and fierce winds as the storm moved ominously toward mainland China. Classified as having the intensity of a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane, the weather event has caused significant upheaval in both territories.
According to reports from the Hong Kong Observatory, Wipha produced sustained winds of around 106 miles per hour, coupled with heavy rain and hazardous sea swells. This cyclone, whose trajectory indicated a westward movement towards Macau and mainland Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Zhanjiang, has prompted local authorities to issue the No. 10 hurricane signal, the highest warning level, for the first time since 2023. A similar alert was issued in Macau, where residents were urged to seek shelter due to the threat of debris and high winds.
The impact of the storm resulted in massive air travel disruptions. By Sunday evening, over 400 flights were rescheduled at Hong Kong International Airport, while nearly 200 flights were canceled at Macau International Airport, illustrating the extensive logistical challenges posed by the storm. As safety measures, various industries halted operations, and numerous transportation services were suspended across affected areas, including Zhuhai, where parks, indoor venues, and public transport were closed in anticipation of the typhoon's impact.
Predictions from China’s meteorological agency indicate that after making landfall later in the day, Typhoon Wipha may continue to traverse through southern China before veering offshore again, potentially impacting Vietnam in the coming days. This unfolding situation remains critical as authorities manage the ongoing repercussions of the typhoon.
As communities prioritize public safety amid the severe weather, the extent of Wipha's effects on infrastructure and daily life in the region is yet to be fully assessed.
According to reports from the Hong Kong Observatory, Wipha produced sustained winds of around 106 miles per hour, coupled with heavy rain and hazardous sea swells. This cyclone, whose trajectory indicated a westward movement towards Macau and mainland Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Zhanjiang, has prompted local authorities to issue the No. 10 hurricane signal, the highest warning level, for the first time since 2023. A similar alert was issued in Macau, where residents were urged to seek shelter due to the threat of debris and high winds.
The impact of the storm resulted in massive air travel disruptions. By Sunday evening, over 400 flights were rescheduled at Hong Kong International Airport, while nearly 200 flights were canceled at Macau International Airport, illustrating the extensive logistical challenges posed by the storm. As safety measures, various industries halted operations, and numerous transportation services were suspended across affected areas, including Zhuhai, where parks, indoor venues, and public transport were closed in anticipation of the typhoon's impact.
Predictions from China’s meteorological agency indicate that after making landfall later in the day, Typhoon Wipha may continue to traverse through southern China before veering offshore again, potentially impacting Vietnam in the coming days. This unfolding situation remains critical as authorities manage the ongoing repercussions of the typhoon.
As communities prioritize public safety amid the severe weather, the extent of Wipha's effects on infrastructure and daily life in the region is yet to be fully assessed.
