BEIJING – China issued its highest typhoon warning on Thursday as Typhoon Saola, packing winds of more than 200kmh, headed towards the south-eastern coastline, threatening Hong Kong and other major manufacturing hubs in nearby Guangdong province.
Ten flights from Singapore to Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen on Friday have been cancelled, Changi Airport Group’s spokesman said in response to queries from The Straits Times.
“Passengers are advised to check with their airline if their flight is affected and, if so, to seek assistance from the airline regarding alternatives,” the spokesman added.
China’s National Meteorological Centre said Saola, currently located about 295km south-east of Guangdong province, will move north-west across the South China Sea at a speed of about 10kmh, gradually approaching the coast of Guangdong, then slowly weaken in intensity.
Wind speeds at noon local time were clocked at 209kmh.
Saola will make landfall along the coast somewhere from Huilai county in Guangdong to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon, the centre said, adding that with its forecast intensity, it could be among the five strongest typhoons to land in Guangdong since 1949.
Hong Kong said it would raise its strong wind signal to No. 8 between 2am and 5am on Friday, bringing the city to an effective standstill with most businesses and the stock exchange shut.
All schools will be closed on Friday, despite being the first day of term for many, the government said.
Crowds jostled at fresh food markets in the city’s downtown Wan Chai district on Thursday afternoon, with many vegetables already sold out. Supermarkets saw long queues with people stocking up ahead of the storm.
The Hong Kong Observatory said it expects heavy rain and violent winds, while the city’s water level is expected to “rise appreciably” until Saturday, with potential serious flooding.
Cathay Pacific Airways expects to suspend flights starting from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, said a person familiar with the situation.
The airline expects significant disruptions at Hong Kong International Airport due to Saola, and is working to keep aircraft out of the city for a period of time, according to information seen by Bloomberg.
As Saola approaches, Guangdong’s Shenzhen city said it will upgrade its typhoon warning level to yellow – the second-lowest – at 6pm on Thursday and suspend classes at all schools.
Shenzhen’s Baoan Airport suspended all flights from midday Friday, and said it would resume them as soon as it was safe to do so.
China Railway suspended several major train lines and Shanghai halted trains heading to Guangdong, according to local media.
Saola will also bring storm surges to coastal low-lying areas, the observatory noted, estimating that Saola is currently about 440km from the metropolis.
Until 8am on Friday, there will be heavy rainfall in parts of Fujian and areas of Guangdong. Downpours could be 100mm to 220mm in some areas.
Saola’s winds are also affecting Fujian province, where videos on social media show waves crashing along the coastline. The meteorological administration of Shishi city has issued a typhoon blue warning. REUTERS, BLOOMBERG
Additional reporting by Ian Cheng
