Typhoon Noul is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern China, including Hong Kong and Macau, over the weekend, putting the region on maximum alert.
The typhoon passed along Taiwan’s southern coast, with the island’s Central Weather Administration noting today that it was moving away toward southern China. China’s National Meteorological Center announced it expects heavy rain in southeastern Guangdong province and along the southern coast of Fujian province between Saturday and Sunday.
In Macau, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) warned of a high probability of raising the alert level to typhoon signal 3 on Saturday night, with transport operators announcing some cancellations.
The tropical storm alert scale is made up of signals 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10, with the level issued depending on the storm’s proximity and wind intensity.
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According to the forecast track, Noul is moving west-northwest toward the eastern coast of Guangdong and is expected to make landfall about 180 kilometers east of Macau between midnight and Sunday morning.
Macau authorities warned, however, of uncertainties in the storm’s path and intensity, not ruling out a landfall further west, closer to the Pearl River Estuary.
Although the probability of raising the alert to signal 3 overnight is considered relatively low to medium, the weather service warned that winds will intensify after landfall, with the direction shifting to southwest.
Macau International Airport announced the cancellation of 22 Air Macau flights between July 24 and 25, affecting connections to Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Xiamen, both departures and arrivals.
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Meanwhile, the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) reported that passenger sea links between Macau and Shenzhen have been suspended, and warned that further suspensions or schedule adjustments could follow if Noul approaches the Pearl River estuary.
The Hong Kong Observatory, meanwhile, issued the typhoon signal 3 alert at 1:20 p.m. Saturday (6:20 a.m. in Lisbon), as tropical cyclone Noul moved steadily through the northeastern South China Sea, intensifying slightly. The signal means average wind speeds of between 41 and 62 kilometers per hour are expected.
“Make sure objects that could be blown away by the wind are securely fastened or stored indoors. Stay away from the coastline and avoid water sports,” the Observatory stated in a special bulletin.
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau also suspended afternoon classes today at kindergartens, schools for children with physical disabilities and schools for children with intellectual disabilities. Earlier this month, Typhoon Bavi brought strong winds and rain to eastern China, leading to the evacuation of more than 2 million people from their homes.
