Typhoon Noul Strikes Southern China with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain

Typhoon Noul has arrived in southern China, causing significant disruption with its strong winds and heavy rain. This weather event has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in the province of Guangdong as the region remains on high alert. Numerous flights have been canceled in response to the impending typhoon.

According to Hong Kong’s Observatory, Typhoon Noul, which has intensified to maximum sustained winds of 90 mph at its center, moved across the South China Sea on Saturday. It is predicted to approach the coast of Guangdong, potentially making landfall on Sunday morning around Huizhou and Shanwei cities before heading inland. As per China’s weather forecasts, heavy rain and strong winds are anticipated in parts of southern Guangdong and southeastern Fujian over the weekend.

The National Meteorological Center predicts the typhoon will reach the mainland in the early hours of Sunday.

More than 340,000 residents had been evacuated from Guangdong province by Saturday afternoon, with local media reports indicating widespread preparations for the storm. Train services across the province have been halted for Sunday to ensure safety.

Hong Kong’s airport reported over 150 flight cancellations for Saturday and Sunday, and expects further disruptions. Authorities in mainland China have issued their top-level red typhoon alert, while Hong Kong’s observatory has raised the storm signal to No. 8—its third-highest alert level.

As Typhoon Noul nears Hong Kong, a large scaffolding structure on a high-rise building collapsed on Saturday afternoon, though fortunately, no injuries were reported. In Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration noted rainfall in southern and eastern regions, stating that the typhoon was moving away from the island.

Meteorological history shows Eastern China has faced similar disturbances earlier this month with Typhoon Bavi and Typhoon Maysak causing significant evacuations and landfalls within the region.