Hong Kong Faces Fury of Typhoon Wipha

In a dramatic turn of events, Hong Kong has issued its highest tropical cyclone warning as Typhoon Wipha unleashes its wrath on the city. Schools were closed, and hundreds of flights were cancelled as the storm threatened local safety.

As of 10 AM on Sunday, Wipha was detected about 60 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong, with the local observatory reporting towering waves crashing against the eastern coastline.

T10 Alert: Winds Over 118 km/h Expected

The observatory has activated a T10 hurricane alert—its most severe warning level—indicating mean wind speeds expected to surpass 118 kilometers per hour, posing a significant threat to residents. "Destructive winds are being felt in the southern regions of the territory," the observatory cautioned, urging the public to exercise extreme caution.

Regional Impact: Chinese Provinces on High Alert

In addition to Hong Kong, authorities in China’s Hainan and Guangdong provinces have also been placed on high alert as the storm refuses to relent.

Currently, Wipha has escalated to typhoon strength and is tracking towards Macau and Zhuhai, with forecasts predicting landfall late Sunday. The typhoon is expected to continue westward, potentially reaching Vietnam later in the week.

Travel Chaos and Shelters Opened

The chaos at Hong Kong International Airport has been palpable, with around 500 flights grounded due to adverse weather conditions. An additional 400 flights faced rescheduling in an effort to deal with the unprecedented storm.

In light of the emergency, many residents have flocked to government-run temporary shelters seeking safety. Responding to the crisis, hospitals reported instances of individuals seeking medical assistance, with multiple reports of fallen trees due to the high winds.

Classes Halted and Transportation Disrupted

In a proactive measure, all day schools and daycare centers suspended classes. Local train services also faced major interruptions, offering only limited operations in certain areas.

Typhoon's Legacy: Philippines and Beyond

The impact of Typhoon Wipha has already been felt in the Philippines, where heavy rains and flooding have led to two individuals being reported missing. This storm serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation brought about by nature's fury.

This is not the first time Hong Kong has faced such weather extremes; the last T10 alert occurred during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Saola in 2023.