A tropical storm that has already caused flight and ferry disruptions in Taiwan is expected to strengthen into a typhoon before making landfall along China’s southern coast on Sunday.
Earlier, the storm swept through the Philippines, where high winds caused a large billboard-like structure to collapse onto a parked truck in Quezon City, just north of Manila.
As the system moved south of Taiwan on Saturday, it packed maximum sustained winds of 101 kph (63 mph) and gusts reaching 126 kph (78 mph), according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Heavy rain fell on the island’s eastern regions, with over 20 centimeters (8 inches) recorded in Hualien and Taitung counties. In response to the dangerous conditions, numerous domestic flights were canceled and 14 ferry routes were suspended.
Across the Taiwan Strait in China’s Fujian province, ferry services were also halted due to rough seas and strong winds.
Named Wipha, this is the sixth storm of the western Pacific typhoon season. It is forecast to intensify into a typhoon as it nears Hong Kong overnight, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the southern Chinese coastline. After impacting China, it is expected to weaken as it moves westward toward Vietnam and Laos.
In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation or delay of all incoming and outgoing flights scheduled between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, also offering to waive ticket change fees. The Hong Kong Observatory has warned of gale-force winds and the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas due to storm surges.
A major 30-kilometer (18-mile) bridge linking Hong Kong and Macao will be closed overnight as a precaution, according to broadcaster RTHK.
Meanwhile, in China’s Hainan province—known for its beach resorts—authorities in Haikou, the provincial capital, stated that three ports will suspend operations starting Saturday night in anticipation of the storm.
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