Highest storm alert issued as Typhoon Wipha approaches

Typhoon Wipha is rapidly intensifying and is expected to make a direct hit within a short time, as Typhoon Signal No. 10 – the highest typhoon warning – is issued while the storm closes in on the city, bringing heavy winds, torrential rains, and flooding concerns.

The last time Typhoon Signal No. 10 hit the city was in 2023, during Super Typhoon Saola.

At 12:30 p.m. today, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued Signal No. 10, its most severe alert, urging residents to prepare for the storm’s peak impact.

At 1 p.m., Typhoon Wipha was estimated to be about 30 km (18.6 miles) south-southeast of Macau. It is forecast to move west-northwest at around 25 km/h (15.5 mph), gradually edging closer to the city.

Wipha is advancing westward at about 25 kilometers per hour, intensifying rapidly. Winds have reached level 12, with forecasts warning of gusts up to level 14.

A yellow storm surge warning remains in effect, raising fears of flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas.

Flooding is expected to reach heights between 0.5 and 1.0 meters (1.6 to 3.3 feet), with the most severe impact expected between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Flood gates have been installed in the Inner Harbor district to limit water damage.

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) reported that by noon, 95 people had sought shelter at four designated safe-haven centers. Since opening this morning, a total of 103 individuals have used these refuges.

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has urged all residents and visitors to remain in secure locations and monitor updates on the SMG’s official channels.

Public facilities and attractions will remain closed until further notice.

Data from the Unitary Police Service (SPU) show that 27 accident reports have been recorded so far, including seven cases involving fallen trees, lampposts, or building structures, and 20 reports of hazardous signage, windows, or canopies requiring removal.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority reported that 140 flights at Macao International Airport had been canceled and 13 rescheduled as of noon.

Despite the typhoon, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau announced that casinos will maintain appropriate operations during the storm.

Temporary rest areas have also been arranged for employees and guests during the Signal No. 10 period.

The government also confirmed that water supply services are currently operating normally, while CEM reported that the power supply across the city remains stable.

CEM said that personnel at the dispatch center, Coloane power plant, and emergency repair teams are actively monitoring operations to ensure a continued supply of electricity.

All border checkpoints between Macau and Zhuhai were closed at 6 a.m., while the city’s four key bridges connecting the peninsula to Taipa Island have been shut down, except for emergency access via the Sai Van Bridge tunnel.

Public transportation, including bus and taxi services, has been suspended, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was closed to traffic from 3:30 a.m. Passenger ferry operations and airport services have ceased, with 140 flights canceled and 13 rescheduled as of noon at Macao International Airport.

In Hong Kong, its observatory lifted the signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m.

The highest storm alert will stay in effect until 3 p.m. in the neighbouring city.

The SMG has yet to provide a specific timeline for when the Signal No. 10 warning might be downgraded.

Updated 1:55 p.m.