Typhoon Wipha battered both Macau and Hong Kong on Sunday. It triggered the highest storm signal—Signal No. 10—for more than four hours. This caused disrupting major transport links and flights across the region.
Flights Canceled and Border Checkpoints Closed
Macau’s weather bureau issued Signal No. 10 during the day before downgrading it to Signal No. 8 at 5:00 PM. This occurred as the typhoon began to move away. Shortly after, the three key border checkpoints between Macau and Zhuhai resumed operations.
The typhoon’s impact on air travel was significant. Macau International Airport reported 138 canceled flights and 12 rescheduled, while Hong Kong also experienced widespread flight disruptions. Many travelers were left stranded, and authorities urged residents to stay indoors amid strong winds and driving rain.
Hong Kong Residents Seek Shelter as Winds Hit 62 mph
Originally classified as a tropical storm, Wipha intensified into a typhoon overnight. By Sunday afternoon, it had brought heavy squalls, high sea swells, and maximum sustained winds of 62 mph to Hong Kong. This was according to the city’s Weather Observatory.
By early evening, China’s meteorological authorities confirmed that Wipha made landfall in southern Guangdong province. Although it weakened as it moved westward, Hong Kong’s weather office continued to warn of dangerous aftereffects. These include gale-force southeasterly winds and rough seas.
Damage and Casualties Reported
The typhoon prompted 253 Hong Kong residents to seek refuge in government shelters. Meanwhile, 26 others required medical treatment at public hospitals. Additionally, 471 fallen tree incidents were reported across the city. This includes one case where a tree crushed a parked car, as documented by the South China Morning Post.
As Wipha continues to weaken, authorities across the region are now focusing on cleanup and recovery efforts. They remain vigilant in case of lingering storm-related hazards.
