Typhoon Wipha tracks toward southern China coast as signal is lowered

Typhoon Wipha has begun to move away from Macau and Hong Kong, prompting authorities to lower Typhoon Signal No. 10 to Signal No. 8.

By mid-afternoon, the Civil Protection Operations Center reported 98 incidents including fallen trees, street lamps, plaster, signs, and scaffolding. There was one elevator entrapment and one fire.

Four injuries have been also reported locally due to the typhoon, according to local health authorities.

At 12:30 p.m. today, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued the No. 10 typhoon signal. By 1 p.m., Wipha was located about 30 kilometres south-southeast of Macau, moving west-northwest at 25 kilometres per hour.

The storm continued shifting westward and by 3 p.m. was roughly 40 kilometres southwest of Macau, travelling at 22 kilometres per hour.

By 5 p.m., Macau downgraded its No. 10 typhoon signal to a No. 8. At the same time, SMG issued a “blue” storm surge warning. Authorities said the issuance of Typhoon Signal No. 3 is “relatively likely” tonight.

Despite the easing winds, intense rainbands are still sweeping across the city, bringing heavy squally showers that contribute to unsettled weather conditions.

Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant, monitor official announcements, and take necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, the storm moves away from the territory, the Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its Typhoon Signal No. 10 with a No. 8 at 4:10 p.m, while a red rainstorm warning was issued at 3:45 p.m.

The observatory also indicated it will consider further downgrading the warning signal to a No. 3 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. this evening.

Typhoon Wipha is currently moving westward along the southern coast of China and is expected to make landfall near Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, within the next 12 hours.