Typhoon Wipha makes large hits to Hong Kong, Southern China, Viet Nam, Taiwan and PHL leading to major travel woes and bad weather. The intense storm, officially named Typhoon Wipha, originated as a tropical storm but developed into a typhoon and triggered emergency responses in the affected areas.

Severe travel disruption occurred in Hong Kong from Typhoon Wipha. Hong Kong’s Weather Observatory reported heavy squally showers and strong winds up to 62 miles per hour. The Observatory first issued its highest storm alert, Hurricane Signal No. 10, before dialing it back when the typhoon began to turn westward toward Guangdong province. Residents were warned to continue to exercise vigilance in the face of possible aftereffects, such as gale-force winds and high sea swells.

The storm’s impact on travel infrastructure in Hong Kong was severe. Hong Kong International Airport suspended operations at its SkyPier Terminal, halting ferry services to multiple Chinese cities and Macao. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, cancelled or delayed all inbound flights before 6 p.m. Sunday and announced plans to resume operations gradually as weather conditions improved.

Hong Kong Disneyland closed its gates due to the severe conditions, prioritizing visitor safety amid heavy rains and gusty winds caused by Typhoon Wipha. Educational institutions also suspended classes across the territory, aligning with government safety advisories.

The impact of Typhoon Wipha extended beyond transport and tourism infrastructure. Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority suspended outpatient services across its general clinics. Emergency shelters provided refuge to 253 people, while hospitals treated 26 individuals who sustained injuries related to the storm. Government reports recorded 471 incidents of fallen trees, with significant damage to vehicles and property.

On the mainland, Typhoon Wipha made landfall around 5:50 p.m. Sunday in Taishan, a city located in Guangdong province, China. According to China’s National Meteorological Center, upon landfall, Wipha was downgraded from a typhoon to a strong tropical storm. The meteorological agency projected further weakening of the storm as it continued along Guangdong’s western coastline towards northern Vietnam.

Vietnam braced for significant weather disruptions as Typhoon Wipha approached its shores. The U.S. Embassy, referencing the Vietnamese National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, issued warnings of heavy rainfall, flooding, damaging winds, and potential mudslides expected to commence late Monday. This forecast heightened concerns following recent severe weather events, including a tragic maritime accident in Ha Long Bay that resulted in numerous fatalities when a vessel capsized due to sudden adverse weather conditions.

Taiwan experienced severe weather conditions related to Typhoon Wipha on Saturday. Government weather services reported heavy storms across various regions, causing local disruptions and prompting heightened preparedness measures. Authorities in Taiwan closely monitored conditions to ensure public safety and reduce travel disruption.

The Philippines was also indirectly impacted by Typhoon Wipha, which intensified southwest monsoon rains across the country. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued advisories about persistent moderate rainfall and thunderstorms expected to affect several areas through Monday.

Government facilities provided refuge to thousands displaced by monsoon-induced floods, while authorities reported two missing persons associated with the storm.

Even as Typhoon Wipha weakens, government officials across the region are monitoring the situation closely and asking that residents and tourists adhere to local advisories. The extreme weather left by the typhoon has highlighted the need for disaster preparedness and the impacts of climate events on regional travel infrastructure.

Government departments in Hong Kong, mainland China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines and many others will be working closely with the latest developments to keep you and your family, friends, and visitors safe if you are in the path of Typhoon Wipha.