As Super Typhoon Saola advances menacingly toward the southern coast of China, authorities in Hong Kong and Guangdong province have taken swift measures to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate the potential impact of this powerful storm. The typhoon, with winds exceeding 200 kph (125 mph), could be among the five strongest to hit Guangdong since 1949, and authorities have issued their highest typhoon warning in anticipation.
Three tropical cyclones have recently formed in the northwest Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. While Saola and Haikui have already been classified as typhoons, Kirogi, the most distant from land, is currently categorized as a tropical storm, according to weather forecasters.
Saola is currently on track to make landfall as a severe typhoon along the eastern Guangdong coast, encompassing Hong Kong. The China National Meteorological Centre has stated that the landfall could occur on September 1 night or September 2 morning, potentially bringing devastating consequences to the region.
Hong Kong, which is accustomed to dealing with typhoons, has raised its typhoon warning signal to Signal 8, one of five levels used to alert the public to typhoon conditions. This means that residents should prepare for strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding.
China's National Meteorological Centre has warned that serious flooding is expected, with water levels in some areas predicted to rise up to 3 meters (10 feet) above normal tide levels.
In preparation for the typhoon's arrival, schools in Hong Kong have been closed on September 1, even though it was scheduled to be the first day of the new term for many students.
In addition to school closures, Hong Kong has suspended work and business activities in light of the impending storm. The city's flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, has canceled all flights in and out of Hong Kong between 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) on September 1 and 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on September 2. Further flight delays and cancellations are possible depending on the typhoon's path on September 2 morning.
Meanwhile, nearby cities Shenzhen and Guangzhou have also closed schools and suspended various activities to safeguard their residents. Shenzhen went a step further by suspending work, businesses, and financial markets from September 1 afternoon.
Residents have been seen rushing to stock up on essentials, with crowded fresh food markets and long queues at supermarkets across Hong Kong as people prepare for the storm.
In addition to these measures, Guangdong authorities have suspended all trains in and out of the province from 8 p.m. (1200 GMT) September 1 to 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) September 2. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, connecting these three cities, will also be closed from 3:30 p.m. (0730 GMT) on September 1 until further notice.
As Typhoon Saola approaches, neighboring Macau's Weather Observatory has indicated that it may raise its wind warning level to Signal 8 by 2 p.m. on September 1, with the possibility of escalating to Signal 10 early on September 2 morning.
On another front, Typhoon Haikui is on a trajectory towards Taiwan, where it is expected to make landfall on the northern part of the island on September 3 before heading toward the southeastern Chinese city of Fuzhou, as per Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau.
Amid these developments, the Taishan Nuclear Power plant in Guangdong has taken precautions, halting outdoor operations and relocating vulnerable materials from the facility. Emergency staff are on standby, and the plant has assured the public that all personnel and facilities are secure.
Authorities across the region are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to stay safe and prepared as Super Typhoon Saola approaches the southern coast of China.
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