Typhoon Noul Batters Southern China and Hong Kong

Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China early Sunday bringing torrential rain and gale-force winds to Guangdong province and neighbouring Hong Kong. As the 12th tropical cyclone of the year the storm has forced authorities to relocate more than 340,000 people in Guangdong to ensure public safety.

In Hong Kong, the storm’s severe impact prompted the Observatory to issue an Amber Rainstorm Warning cautioning residents about flash floods as rainfall exceeded 30 mm per hour. Authorities initially raised the storm alert to a severe Typhoon Signal No. 9 later downgrading it to Signal No. 8. This alert effectively shuttered most businesses and transport links throughout Sunday morning. Flight operations at Hong Kong’s international airport faced mass cancellations, with gradual resumptions not expected until after 6:00 pm.

Mainland China implemented similar precautions. Guangdong suspended regional train services and instructed schools in Chaozhou city to halt on-campus activities. Fishing vessels were also recalled to port to shelter from the severe sea conditions.

While the Observatory notes that Typhoon Noul is weakening as it moves further inland strong gales continue to affect the region. This marks the third cyclone to strike China this month following the devastating Typhoon Maysak which recently triggered deadly floods in Guangxi and Hubei provinces.