Tropical Storm Wipha, which formed in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, will bring the risk of flooding and locally damaging winds to the region through Sunday.
Further strengthening is not expected following the storm’s initial landfall across China’s Leizhou Peninsula on Thursday. Instead, Wipha will track westward near the coast of China’s Guangxi province before making landfall again into northern Vietnam this weekend.
Wipha is expected to weaken as it approaches the Vietnam coast; however, no matter the status of the system, Wipha will bring heavy, tropical downpours.Locations from southern China into northern Vietnam and northern Laos will need to be on alert for potential flooding downpours and a heightened risk for mudslides.
Heavy rainfall could reach a total of 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) across the region.Rough seas will also be stirred and create dangers for boaters and swimmers across the Gulf of Tonkin through Saturday.
Locally damaging winds are possible in locations near and just north of the storm’s track. This risk will extend from southwestern Guangdong through the coast region of Guangxi and coastal locations of northeastern Vietnam.
Sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) are possible with gusts of 80-95 km/h (50-60 mph) in these areas. Gusty winds are expected farther from the track of the storm across southeastern China and northern Vietnam with a minimal chance for any damage.
Hanoi is forecast to avoid Wipha’s strongest winds, but the city and surrounding areas will be at risk for flooding rainfall into early Sunday with additional downpours possible early next week. Mudslides and travel delays will also be a concern across the region.
Rainbands from Wipha lashed Hong Kong from Wednesday into Thursday bringing around 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall to the city.
The combination of downpours and frequent wind gusts of 50-65 km/h (30-40 mph) lead to the Hong Kong Observatory issuing a tropical cyclone signal 8, its third highest level, according to Reuters. The warning was lowered to an Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal on Thursday.
The education bureau closed schools on Wednesday, and authorities urged office workers to go home early.
Hong Kong’s financial markets were closed early on Wednesday before reopening on Thursday. Brief periods of intense rainfall and gusty winds continued through Friday, resulting in localized flooding and travel delays at times.
For anyone in the path of this storm, heed all advice from local government officials and evacuate if asked. Keep gas tanks filled and cell phones charged.
Despite the storm tracking away from the Philippines, bands of rain will batter western areas of Luzon, including Manila, into this weekend. Localized flooding and travel disruptions are possible each day.
Additional tropical development is expected across the West Pacific during the first half of August with the potential for the first typhoon since Wutip in late February.
reference –
accu weather