China: Tropical Storm Ma-on tracking west-northwestward across southern Guangxi Province late Aug. 25 /update 7

Event

Tropical Storm Ma-on (known in the Philippines as Florita) is tracking west-northwestward across southern Guangxi Province as of late Aug. 25. The storm made landfall approximately 80 km (50 miles) east of Zhanjiang, Guangdong, at approximately 11:00 CST. As of 22:00 CST, the storm is approximately 605 km (375 miles) west-northwest of Hong Kong, China.

Forecast models indicate the storm will weaken as it tracks across southern Guangxi Province before dissipating over northern Vietnam. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast. Significant changes could occur in the coming days.

The China Meteorological Administration has issued a level three emergency warning, requiring local weather departments to adopt emergency measures immediately. heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast over parts of Guangdong, southern Guangxi, and Hainan provinces. Shenzhen weather authorities have lowered the typhoon warning level to blue, which is the lowest level in a four-tier system. Zhongshan officials have reportedly withdrawn all weather warnings.

The Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) over North Vietnam as well as Thanh Hoa Province through Aug. 26. Strong winds are likely over coastal areas of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Lang Son provinces through early Aug. 26. Authorities have warned of possible flash flooding along rivers are other water bodies, landslides on steep terrain, and localized flooding in residential and low-lying areas in the mountainous provinces of North Vietnam.

Strong winds and heavy rains have occurred in southern areas of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, though no significant damage has been reported. Hong Kong authorities have closed the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge to shipping. Around 140 people evacuated to 31 government temporary shelters across Hong Kong. Reports indicate one injury.

Authorities will likely suspend some rail services between Shenzhen and some cities in Guangxi, including Liuzhou, through Aug. 26. Several cities in the province have suspended classes. Shenzhen officials have resumed airport operations at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) as of late Aug. 25, though further flight disruptions cannot be ruled out. Some rail services will also be disrupted in the city through at least Aug. 26.

Heavy rains have also been reported in northern areas, including mountainous districts, of Vietnam. Officials plan to evacuate approximately 135,000 people from affected areas; authorities have evacuated at least 1,500 tourists from local islands. Officials in Quang Ninh Province have banned vessels from going out to sea.

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.

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
Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF)