China: Tropical Storm Saola is tracking westward across southwestern Guangdong Province late Sept. 2 /update 11

Event

Tropical Storm Saola is tracking westward across southwestern Guangdong Province, China, the evening of Sept. 2, following landfall over the province earlier in the day. As of 17:00 CST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 246 km (153 miles) west-southwest of Hong Kong.

Forecast models indicate the storm will gradually weaken as it gradually turns to track southwestwards over southwestern Guangdong Province before exiting into the Beibu Gulf the afternoon of Sept. 3. The system is forecast to gradually turn to track southeastwards while weakening into a tropical depression and make another landfall over southwestern Hainan Province late Sept. 5 before dissipating over the southern part of the province the afternoon of Sept. 6. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and the system may change accordingly over the coming days.

The China Meteorological Administration has issued a red (highest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; heavy rainfall is forecast across southwestern Guangdong and southeastern Guangxi provinces as well as Hong Kong and Macau, with the heaviest rainfall of 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) likely in southwestern Guangdong Province. The Hong Kong Observatory is maintaining a T3 warning signal (second-lowest level on a five-tier scale) and has rescinded all other warnings as the worst of the storm has passed. Authorities may issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Weather warnings could remain active even after the system's immediate threat has diminished, as some areas may still be highly susceptible to rain-induced hazards.

Authorities evacuated more than 780,000 people across Guangdong Province and around 100,000 people in eastern Fujian Province. Officials have also suspended operations at regional airports across Guangdong Province and rail and ferry services across Guangzhou and Guangdong provinces through Sept. 2, while Shanghai has halted trains heading to Guangdong. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) resumed operations early Sept. 2 after all flights were canceled since the afternoon of Sept. 1. Guangzhou City has suspended the Shiqi-Nansha Passenger Port section of Metro Line 4 and all bus services in the Nansha District from the evening of Sept. 1. Authorities in southern China have recalled fishing vessels back to port. Xiamen City in Fujian Province has suspended some passenger ferry services. Authorities will suspend ferry services across Qiongzhou Strait linking mainland China to Hainan Province from the afternoon of Sept. 2. Around 13 cities in Guangdong Province, including Shantou, Shanwei, Jieyang Chaozhou, and Shenzhen, suspended schools Sept. 1.

More than 500 people evacuated to temporary government shelters across Hong Kong. Reports indicate at least 86 injuries. Officials have canceled hundreds of flights at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG); Hong Kong Airlines (HX), Cathay Pacific (CX), and Hong Kong Express Airways (UO) have suspended most flights Sept. 1-2. As of the evening of Sept. 2, flights are slowly resuming. Lingering flight disruptions are likely as airlines work to clear backlogs. The Mainland Railway Authority has suspended all train services between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and mainland China through Sept. 2 and has warned that train services may be adjusted or canceled Sept. 3-4. Citybus has suspended most routes except for routes B7 and S1; services are slowly resuming as of the evening of Sept. 2. The stock market, all schools, and most government services in Hong Kong were closed Sept. 1.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
China Meteorological Administration
Hong Kong Observatory