Typhoon Wipha Lashes Southern China Coast, Causes Widespread Disruptions
Typhoon Wipha Lashes Southern China Coast, Causes Widespread Disruptions
Southern China is bracing for the full impact of Typhoon Wipha today, as the powerful storm makes landfall after a destructive path across Taiwan and the Philippines. Formerly a tropical storm, Wipha intensified to typhoon strength overnight, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rainfall that have already caused widespread travel disruptions.
In Hong Kong, authorities have issued severe weather warnings, with the Hong Kong Observatory cautioning residents about potential flooding in low-lying coastal areas and sustained high winds. Cathay Pacific has announced significant flight cancellations and delays for Sunday, impacting arrivals and departures between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time. Additionally, the vital 30-kilometer bridge connecting Hong Kong and Macao has been closed, and three major ports in Hainan province, a popular resort island, have suspended operations.
Wipha previously battered Taiwan on Saturday, unleashing over 20 centimeters of rain in eastern regions and forcing the cancellation of numerous domestic flights and 14 ferry routes. The storm’s earlier passage through the Philippines saw a truck crushed by a billboard structure in Quezon City. As the sixth named storm of the Western Pacific season, Typhoon Wipha is expected to bring continued torrential downpours across China’s southern coast before weakening as it tracks westward towards Vietnam and Laos.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.