Typhoon Chaba Hits China
Editor
July 3, 2022
China’s first typhoon of the year brought gales and rain to its southern shores on Saturday, as forecasters warned of record rainfall and high disaster risk in provinces including Guangdong, the country’s most populous.
Typhoon Chaba, the Thai name for the hibiscus flower, was moving northwest at 15 to 20 km (10 to 15 miles) per hour after the eye of the storm made landfall in Guangdong’s Maoming city on Saturday afternoon, the National Meteorological Center said in a statement.
Chinese authorities have issued an orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning. The storm is forecast to make landfall between Yangjiang to Leizhou cities in Guangdong Province the afternoon of July 2 and will be carrying winds of more than 108 kph (67 mph). Strong winds are also likely across Hainan Island, the coast of Guangdong Province, and the southeast coast of Guangxi Province. Heavy rains are likely over most of Guangdong, southeastern Guangxi, Hainan Island, and southwestern Fujian. The heaviest downpours are likely over Hainan Island, southeastern Guangdong, and southern Guangxi provinces, with rainfall totals of 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) possible in these areas. Officials in Hong Kong have issued a No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal, with winds speeds of over 63 kph (39 mph) expected over the territory.
Vietnamese authorities have warned of strong winds and large waves along much of the east coast July 2. Large waves together with high tides could result in flooding in low-lying areas from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh provinces. Heavy rainfall is forecast in northeastern and northern regions through July 4. Rainfall totals of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are likely in most of the affected area, with higher rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in the northeastern region. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities in Hainan Province have closed the Haikou Xiuying, Railway South, and Xinhai ports through at least July 3. China’s National Defense General Office has issued a level 4 emergency response (highest level on a four-tier scale) and sent two working groups to southern Guangdong Province to assist and guide typhoon prevention work.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus service, as well as ferry services at Hong Kong Port and from Hengqin Wharf to Shenzhen Shekou and Dongao Island, remain suspended until further notice. Hengqin Port is also closed.
China Southern Airlines canceled 22 flights at Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) July 1 and is likely to cancel at least 21 inbound flights at the airport July 2.
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