Tropical Storm Wipha Poses Threat to China Following Impact on Taiwan and the Philippines

After causing travel disruptions in Taiwan, Tropical Storm Wipha is predicted to escalate to typhoon strength before making landfall on the southern coast of China by Sunday.

Earlier, as Wipha passed over the Philippines, it forcefully knocked down a billboard-like structure in Quezon City, north of Manila, which crushed a parked truck.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, Wipha brought strong winds, sustaining speeds of 101 kph (63 mph) with gusts reaching 126 kph (78 mph) as it traveled south of Taiwan on Saturday.

Taiwan's eastern regions, specifically Hualien and Taitung counties, experienced over 20 centimeters (8 inches) of rainfall. The adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of several domestic flights and the suspension of 14 ferry operations due to turbulent seas.

Similarly, ferry services were halted in China's Fujian province across the Taiwan Strait due to the storm's effects.

Positioned as the sixth storm of the season in the western Pacific, Wipha is expected to intensify to typhoon status as it approaches Hong Kong overnight, bringing heavy rainfall to China’s southern coastline and subsequently weakening before moving towards Vietnam and Laos.

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific announced potential delays or cancellations for all flights scheduled in or out of the city between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, with flexibility offered for ticket modifications.

The Hong Kong Observatory cautioned residents of high winds and potential coastal flooding resulting from storm surges. It was reported that the long-span bridge between Hong Kong and Macao will be closed overnight as a precautionary measure.

Authorities in Hainan province, renowned for its beach resorts, have declared the cessation of operations at three ports in Haikou, the island's capital, effective Saturday night, as part of safety measures.

A past typhoon in 2023 led to persistent heavy rains across southern China, culminating in floods in Hong Kong and surrounding regions, with Maoming city experiencing a crocodile farm overflow, resulting in over 70 animals escaping.