13 Nov 2024 | 02:43 PM UTC
South China Sea: Tropical Storm Toraji tracking northward toward southern China as of late Nov. 13 /update 5
Tropica Storm Toraji tracking northward in the South China Sea as of late Nov. 13. Close approach to Hong Kong and Macao, China, Nov. 14.
Tropical Storm Toraji is tracking northward over the South China Sea toward far southern China as of late Nov. 13. As of 23:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 107 km (66 miles) east-southeast of Hong Kong, China.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken as it tracks northwestward toward Hong Kong through early Nov. 14, before weakening into a tropical depression as it turns to track west-southwestward off the coasts of Hong Kong and Macao Nov. 14. The system is expected to weaken further and dissipate as it tracks southwestward away from southern China Nov. 15. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of late Nov. 13, the China Meteorological Administration is maintaining a blue typhoon warning (the lowest level on a four-tier scale), advising of strong winds in southern coastal regions and heavy rainfall over central Guangdong and other central and eastern coastal areas over the coming days. Rainfall totals of 2.5-4.5 cm (1-1.8 inches) are forecast in the affected area late Nov. 13-14. The Hong Kong Observatory has announced that a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number 3 will be upgraded to Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number 8 at 11:10 Nov. 13. Schools will be closed across Hong Kong Nov. 14. The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau have issued a Typhoon Signal No. 3 warning and have stated this may be upgraded to Typhoon Signal No. 8 early Nov. 14.
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. 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 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.
