Typhoon signal to lower as Tapah moves away

A quiet street in Taipa at noon today as Typhoon Signal No. 8 kept residents indoors.

Severe Tropical Storm Tapah is gradually moving away after making landfall in Taishan City, Guangdong.

The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) announced that Typhoon Signal No. 8 remains in force but will be replaced by Signal No. 3 at 3 p.m. today, as local winds are expected to weaken in the afternoon.

Tapah triggered the No. 8 signal at 9 p.m. yesterday, leading to transportation disruptions and the suspension of schools and services.

Although conditions are easing, the SMG warned that Macau will continue to experience occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms under the influence of Tapah’s outer rainbands.

Winds may still reach force 7 to 8 at times, with strong gusts.

According to the Social Welfare Bureau, five people were using the government shelter as of 1 p.m. today. Since its opening during the storm, the shelter has accommodated a total of 12 individuals.

Also, the Civil Protection Operations Center recorded 24 incident reports across Macau and the outlying islands.

The cases included 10 collapses involving buildings, lampposts, or trees; 13 removals of hazardous objects at risk of falling, such as signboards, windows, and canopies; and one report of a person trapped in an elevator.

Public bus services, which were suspended under Signal No. 8, will resume operations at 3 p.m.

The Transport Bureau also confirmed that shuttle buses between Macau’s border checkpoint and Hong Kong International Airport are gradually resuming service.

Authorities reminded residents to remain alert to possible flooding in low-lying areas due to the combined effect of astronomical tide and residual storm surge. A yellow storm surge warning remains in effect.