China: Typhoon Saola is tracking westward across Guangdong Province as of early Sept. 2 /update 10

Event

Typhoon Saola is tracking westward across Guangdong Province, China, early Sept. 2, following landfall over the province earlier in the day. As of 05:00 CST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 89 km (55 miles) west-southwest of Hong Kong.

Forecast models indicate the storm will gradually weaken but remain a typhoon through the afternoon of Sept. 2 as it skirts the edge of Guangdong Province before turning to track southwestwards. Saola will weaken into a tropical storm over the far southwestern part of the province and exit into the Beibu Gulf the afternoon of Sept. 3. The system is forecast to make another landfall as a tropical storm over Hainan Province early Sept. 4 before turning to track southeastwards. Saola will then weaken into a tropical depression and dissipate over the southwestern part of the province by early 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 The Hong Kong Observatory has rescinded the T10 warning signal (highest level on a five-tier scale) and has issued a T8 warning signal, landslide and rain warnings, and a special announcement on flooding in the northern New Territories. 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. All flights at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) are canceled since the afternoon of Sept. 1, while all expressways across Shenzhen City are closed to the public to aid in emergency efforts. 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.

Almost 500 people evacuated to temporary government shelters across Hong Kong. Reports indicate at least 51 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. 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. 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