Typhoon Wipha battered Hong Kong on Sunday as it skirted southward, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds. The storm caused disruptions across the city, including fallen trees, collapsed scaffolding, and the displacement of over 200 people who sought refuge in temporary shelters.
Despite the intensity, the storm caused less destruction than previous typhoons like Mangkhut and Hato, according to Eastern District councilor Kenny Yuen, who noted that the damage was mainly limited to infrastructure such as trees and construction scaffolding.
Storm Signal Downgraded as Heavy Rain, Strong Winds Batter Northern Hong Kong Areas
Hong Kong’s weather observatory began downgrading the storm warning in stages as Wipha moved further from the city. The typhoon signal was first lowered from 10 to 8 by 4 p.m. and then to a No. 3 strong wind signal by 7:45 p.m., indicating a reduced threat. However, the effects of the storm were still felt strongly, with more than 110 mm of rain recorded within three hours and wind gusts exceeding 167 kph (103 mph) at certain times.
The storm’s rainfall was particularly intense in the northern areas of Hong Kong near the mainland. The city’s observatory reported that a total of 471 trees had fallen due to the strong winds, while 26 people required medical treatment in public hospitals. Additionally, 253 individuals sought safety in government-run shelters during the typhoon’s peak. The majority of the damages were infrastructural rather than life-threatening.
Wipha Weakens After Landfall, Causes Major Travel Disruptions Across Hong Kong and Macau
After passing Hong Kong, Wipha continued westward and made landfall near Taishan city in Guangdong province at approximately 5:50 p.m., where it weakened into a severe tropical storm. In Macau, authorities also downgraded their storm warning and issued flood alerts for the city’s inner harbor. Residents were urged to remain cautious as the region braced for potential flooding and residual storm effects.
The typhoon significantly impacted transportation in and out of Hong Kong. The Airport Authority reported that around 80,000 travelers were affected by the cancellation or rescheduling of 400 flights.
Cathay Pacific canceled all services to and from Hong Kong International Airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., offering passengers flexible rebooking options. Public transportation, including ferry services, was also suspended due to rough sea conditions caused by the storm.
