URGENT UPDATE: Typhoon Wipha is currently battering the regions of Hong Kong and Macau with devastating rain and winds reaching speeds of 106 miles per hour as of Sunday, September 24, 2023. The storm, classified with the intensity of a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane, is making its way toward mainland China, threatening to unleash further chaos.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Wipha is generating heavy showers and dangerous sea swells, prompting authorities to issue the highest hurricane signal—No. 10—for the first time since 2023. Macau has raised an equivalent storm warning, intensifying concerns as the storm approaches the casino hub.
As Typhoon Wipha inches closer, residents are advised to remain indoors and steer clear of windows due to the risk of flying debris. The impact has already been felt significantly, with over 400 flights rescheduled at Hong Kong International Airport and nearly 200 flights canceled in Macau.
Authorities in southern China are taking action, with closures of workplaces, ports, and public transport systems in anticipation of the storm’s landfall, expected late Sunday between Shenzhen and Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province. In Zhuhai, a city of approximately 2.5 million, public spaces like parks, construction sites, and outdoor playgrounds have been shut down.
“Residents must stay vigilant and heed warnings as Typhoon Wipha approaches,” an official statement from the Guangdong meteorological service advised.
Post landfall, Wipha is projected to traverse southern China before moving offshore again, potentially impacting Vietnam. The situation remains fluid, and the latest updates are crucial for residents and travelers alike. Monitoring and emergency response teams are on high alert as they prepare for the worst.
As the storm develops, authorities stress the importance of safety and preparedness. Stay tuned for real-time updates as Typhoon Wipha continues its path through this densely populated region.