South China Sea: Typhoon Yagi tracking westward across the South China Sea towards far southern China as of late Sept. 5 /update 5

Typhoon Yagi, known in the Philippines as Enteng, is tracking westward across the South China Sea towards far southern China late Sept. 5. The storm previously made landfall over northern Aurora Province in the Phillippines early Sept. 2 and crossed the north of the country through early Sept. 3. As of 20:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 876 km (544 miles) east of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken slightly as it tracks west-northwestward and passes close to northeastern Hainan Island before making landfall over the southern Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong Province late Sept. 6. The system is expected to weaken further as it tracks west-northwestward over the Gulf of Tonkin late Sept. 6-early Sept. 7 before making another landfall as either a weak typhoon or strong tropical storm over Quang Ninh Province in northeastern Vietnam during the afternoon Sept. 7. After landfall, Yagi is likely to weaken rapidly and dissipate as it tracks west-northwestward across northern Vietnam and into far northern Laos through late Sept. 8. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Sept. 5, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a red (the highest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; heavy to torrential rain is likely across parts of central and southern ​​Guangdong, southeastern Guangxi, and Hainan late Sept. 5-6, while strong winds are forecast over coastal areas of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces. The heaviest rainfall of 25-29 cm (10-11 inches) is likely over northeastern Hainan Province. Yellow rainstorm, blue severe convective weather, and red, orange, and yellow waterlogging warnings are also in place over parts of far southern China.

Guangdong province has upgraded its emergency response level to the highest for strong winds. All flights at Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) have been suspended from 20:00 Sept. 5 through 23:59 Sept. 6. Dozens of flights have also been canceled at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH) in Guangdong Province and at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Trains and ferries on Hainan Island suspended operations Sept. 5-7, including across the Qiongzhou Strait. Authorities in Hainan have suspended work and schools from Sept. 5. Many other schools across southern China are closed and public transport is being suspended or operating reduced services across parts of the region. Beaches and coastal tourist attractions across Hainan Island and parts of Guangdong Province. The main bridge linking Hong Kong with Macau and Zhuhai in Guangdong is due to close late Sept. 5. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has suspended trading due to the storm's approach.

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.

Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.