Hong Kong activated its most severe storm alert as Typhoon Wipha struck the city, prompting officials to cancel school sessions and halt numerous flights.
As of Sunday morning, Wipha was situated approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong, the local weather agency reported. Large waves were observed along the eastern shoreline of Hong Kong Island.
The weather agency raised a T10 hurricane warning, the highest level, stating that sustained winds exceeding 118 kilometers per hour were anticipated, presenting a significant danger.
"Influenced by the typhoon’s core, hurricane-strength winds are impacting the southern regions," the agency noted, urging residents to take precautions against hazardous conditions.
According to state media, China’s Hainan and Guangdong provinces were also placed on high alert.
After intensifying into a typhoon overnight, Wipha moved toward Macau and the nearby city of Zhuhai. Forecasts predicted landfall by late Sunday, with the storm progressing westward toward Vietnam in the following days.
A spokesperson from Hong Kong’s airport stated that roughly 500 flights had been canceled due to adverse weather, while another 400 were postponed to later in the day.
Hundreds sought shelter in government-operated facilities. One individual was treated at a hospital emergency department, with authorities reporting multiple incidents of fallen trees.
Officials suspended classes across all schools and childcare centers for the day.
Train services were restricted, with suspended operations in exposed areas.
In the Philippines, Wipha caused heavy rainfall and flooding, leaving two people missing, as confirmed by the national disaster agency.
The last T10 warning in Hong Kong was issued in 2023 for Super Typhoon Saola.
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