Tropical Storm Wipha Threatens Southern China Following Impact on Taiwan and the Philippines
A tropical storm that led to the cancellation of flights and ferries in Taiwan is expected to intensify to typhoon strength before making landfall on the southern coast of China this Sunday.
Previously, Wipha swept through the Philippines, where strong winds caused a parked truck in Quezon City, north of Manila, to be crushed by a billboard-like structure that was blown over.
As reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 101 kph (63 mph) and gusts reaching 126 kph (78 mph) while passing south of Taiwan on Saturday. Over 20 centimeters (8 inches) of rainfall were recorded in Hualien and Taitung counties along Taiwan’s eastern coastline. Consequently, several domestic flights were canceled and operations on 14 ferry routes were halted due to rough seas and high winds.
On the opposite side of the Taiwan Strait, service disruptions for many ferries occurred in Fujian province along China’s east coast.
This storm marks the sixth occurrence of the season in the western Pacific and is anticipated to reach typhoon status prior to its passage near Hong Kong overnight. It is likely to bring significant rainfall along China’s southern coastline before weakening as it moves westward toward Vietnam and Laos.
In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific announced that all flights scheduled for arrival or departure between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday would be either canceled or delayed. The airline indicated it would waive ticket change fees.
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued warnings regarding gale-force winds and potential flooding in low-lying coastal areas due to storm surges. Additionally, reports from Hong Kong broadcaster RTHK stated that a bridge spanning 30 kilometers (18 miles) between Hong Kong and Macao will be closed overnight.
Authorities in Hainan province—a well-known beach resort destination—have announced that three ports will cease operations starting Saturday night in Haikou, the provincial capital.
