Is Typhoon Wipha Impacting China's Southern Provinces?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hainan and Guangdong are on high alert for Typhoon Wipha.
- Emergency responses have been activated at various levels.
- Severe weather including rainstorms and strong winds is expected.
- Shipping operations may be suspended in the Qiongzhou Strait.
- It is essential for residents to stay updated on the situation.
Haikou, July 19 (NationPress) The provinces of Hainan and Guangdong in South China have been placed on high alert as Typhoon Wipha approaches the South China Sea, bringing with it intense winds and heavy rainfall. Hainan initiated a Level IV emergency response at 9 am Saturday, while Guangdong escalated its response from Level IV to Level II at 11 am.
The Hainan Meteorological Service reported that Typhoon Wipha strengthened from a tropical storm to a robust tropical storm early Saturday. At 8 am, its center was located in the northeastern region of the South China Sea, roughly 930 kilometers east of Wenchang City in Hainan.
Forecasts indicate that Wipha is moving northwest at approximately 20 kilometers per hour while gaining intensity. It is expected to approach coastal areas from Shenzhen in Guangdong to Wenchang in Hainan, with potential landfall occurring between Sunday afternoon and evening, as reported by Xinhua.
The effects of the typhoon will lead to rainstorms and strong winds across most sea and land areas in Hainan from Saturday until July 22. Furthermore, the Qiongzhou Strait connecting Guangdong and Hainan may witness extended halts in shipping activities from Sunday through July 22.
The capital of Hainan, Haikou, is likely to experience significant waterlogging. Meanwhile, Guangdong is preparing for severe thunderstorms, high winds, and tidal surges.
In readiness for the storm, Guangdong has deployed specialized rescue vessels, helicopters, and powerful tugboats, along with cleanup crews on standby.
China employs a four-tier emergency response system for typhoons, where Level I represents the highest level of alert.
Previously, on July 9, Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon of the year, made its third landfall in the coastal region of Ruian City in Zhejiang Province.
After initially hitting Taiwan on July 7, Danas made a second landfall in Dongtou District of Wenzhou on July 8.