News Summary
Super Typhoon Ragasa is set to impact southern China, affecting cities like Hong Kong and Guangdong province with severe weather conditions. The storm, previously devastating the Philippines, has already prompted school closures and flight cancellations in the region. Residents are preparing for heavy rainfall and storm surges while authorities gear up for possible evacuations as they monitor Ragasa’s trajectory. Safety advisories are in place as significant disruption to daily life is anticipated from this powerful typhoon.
Southern China Braces for Impact from Super Typhoon Ragasa
Southern Chinese cities are preparing for the imminent arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is poised to disrupt daily life with schools and businesses suspending operations. The storm has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, where it has claimed at least three lives and displaced thousands due to severe flooding and landslides.
The Hong Kong Observatory has classified Ragasa as a super typhoon, with maximum sustained winds approaching 143 mph (230 kph). The typhoon is currently projected to move west-northwest at about 14 mph (22 kph) and is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province, between Shenzhen city and Xuwen county, on Wednesday. In anticipation of the storm, the National Meteorological Center of China has warned of significant rainfall and storm surges.
Residents in affected areas are actively preparing for the storm. Many have begun stockpiling essential food and supplies, resulting in empty shelves across supermarkets. To further protect their properties, numerous residents are placing sandbags and barriers at doors and taping windows to prevent storm damage.
Storm Warnings and School Closures
In preparation, Hong Kong has announced the issuance of storm warning signal No. 8, the third-highest level in its weather alert system. The observatory anticipates water levels may rise significantly, with projections estimating increases between 2 meters (6.5 feet) to as high as 4 to 5 meters (13.1 to 16.4 feet).
In response to the impending storm, schools have closed across Hong Kong and Macao. Other cities including Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou have also canceled classes. Similar measures have been taken in the Philippines where schools and government offices were closed across the capital and 29 northern provinces in anticipation of Ragasa’s impact.
Air Travel Disruptions
Flight operations are facing significant disruption as hundreds of flights in Hong Kong have been canceled. Shenzhen airport has also announced a halt to all flights effective Tuesday night. The Hong Kong International Airport is preparing for considerable disturbances, with over 500 flights from Cathay Pacific alone expected to be canceled.
Previous Impact of Typhoon Ragasa
Ragasa previously struck the Philippines, causing considerable damage and loss of life. Reports indicate that at least three individuals died, including a 74-year-old man trapped in a vehicle during a landslide. The storm has displaced over 17,500 people in the Philippines, and approximately 24,000 residents were evacuated from northern and central Luzon as a precaution.
In areas directly impacted by Ragasa, significant destruction was reported, including damaged homes and fallen trees. A search and rescue operation is currently underway for six fishermen who went missing after their boat was overturned by large waves.
Ongoing Preparations in Southern China
Authorities in Shenzhen are making plans to evacuate around 400,000 residents from vulnerable areas as the storm approaches. Similarly, emergency measures are being implemented throughout Guangdong province, including the suspension of rail services which will start midday Tuesday. The region is preparing for heavy rainfall with potential accumulations estimated at up to 280 mm (11 inches).
Ragasa remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with winds that have previously reached gusts of up to 295 kph (183 mph) in certain areas. As the typhoon weakens slightly, authorities continue to monitor its trajectory closely.
International Observations
Video footage from Taiwan has captured rough seas and strong winds as Ragasa’s outer bands start affecting the region. Taiwanese meteorologists predict extremely torrential rain in the eastern regions as they prepare for the storm’s impact. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui aboard the International Space Station provided a remarkable view of Ragasa from space, showcasing the typhoon’s vast scale.
As the situation evolves, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and heed safety advisories in anticipation of the potential impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CNN: Southern China Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Wikipedia: Typhoon
- China Daily: Typhoon Ragasa Updates
- Google Search: Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Al Jazeera: Super Typhoon Heads to Taiwan and Hong Kong
- Google Scholar: Typhoon Ragasa
- ABC News: China Cancels Schools and Flights for Typhoon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Typhoon
- South China Morning Post: China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Google News: Typhoon Ragasa
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
