31 May 2024 | 02:33 PM UTC
China: Tropical Depression Maliksi tracking north-northwestward off the coast of Guangdong Province late May 31 /update 1
TD Maliksi tracking north-northwestward over the South China Sea late May 31. Landfall imminent over Guangdong Province, China.
Tropical Depression Maliksi is tracking north-northwestward over the South China Sea toward Guangdong Province late May 31. As of 20:00 CST, the system's center of circulation is approximately 300 km (186 miles) west-southwest of Hong Kong.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will make landfall over Yangxi County in Guangdong Province in the coming hours. After landfall, the storm is likely to weaken rapidly as it tracks northwards into west-central Guangdong Province through early June 1, before dissipating as it turns to track northeastward over central Guangdong through June 1. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
The China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue typhoon warning (the lowest level on a four-tier scale), advising that strong winds are likely over the South China Sea and along the coasts of eastern Hainan and southern Guangdong provinces, as well as heavy rainfall over much of Hainan, Guangdong, and Fujian, and parts of eastern and southern Jiangxi and southern Zhejiang provinces. The heaviest rainfall is forecast in southern coastal areas of Guangdong, northeastern Hainan Island, and northwestern Fujian, where rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are possible. The Hong Kong Observatory and Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau have both issued a No. 3 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal due to the approach of the storm. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm approaches.
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, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase 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.
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 authorities 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.
