URGENT UPDATE: Typhoon Wipha is currently battering Hong Kong and Macau with fierce winds and torrential rain, posing an immediate threat as it approaches mainland China. The storm, equivalent to a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane, has sustained winds reaching 106 miles per hour and is forecast to intensify further.
As of October 29, 2023, the Hong Kong Observatory has issued a No. 10 hurricane signal—the highest warning possible—for the first time since 2023, while Macau has raised a similar alert. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid windows due to the risk of flying debris and hazardous conditions.
Wipha is barreling westward toward Macau, with landfall expected between Shenzhen and Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province later today. The typhoon’s trajectory is projected to bring it ashore with powerful winds and heavy rainfall.
At Hong Kong International Airport, over 400 flights have been rescheduled, as operations are heavily affected by the severe weather. Meanwhile, nearly 200 flights have been canceled at Macau International Airport, stranding travelers and disrupting plans.
In response to the storm, local authorities have closed parks, ferries, and construction sites in Zhuhai, which has a population of approximately 2.5 million and lies directly in Wipha’s path. Schools and some workplaces in Zhanjiang are also closed as a precautionary measure.
“We urge everyone to stay indoors and remain cautious during this critical period,” said a spokesperson from the Hong Kong Observatory.
The typhoon is anticipated to continue its path across southern China before moving offshore again, likely making landfall in Vietnam after impacting the region.
For those in the affected areas, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed all warnings from local authorities. As conditions worsen, community safety remains the top priority.
Watch for ongoing updates as Typhoon Wipha progresses and impacts further regions.
