Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 10, Macau’s highest typhoon warning signal, will remain in force this afternoon, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) has announced in a statement.
Signal no. 10 was hoisted at 12:30 p.m.
“Local winds are expected to strengthen gradually,” the observatory said in the statement.
Signal No.10 means that the centre of Typhoon “Wipha” will strike at the immediate approaches of Macau, the bureau said, adding that winds with a sustained speed exceeding 118 km/h are expected or blowing in Macau, “with gusts of great intensity.”
"Wipha" is further intensifying and will directly hit Macau in a short time, the weather station said. The storm will continue to strengthen, with the wind force reaching level 12 and gusts reaching level 14, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain and thunderstorms, the bureau said.
The observatory forecast flooding in low-lying areas such as the Inner Harbour area.
As ‘Wipha’ poses a significant threat to Macau and wind strength will rapidly increase in a short time, the public are advised to stay in safe indoor places and away from doors and windows exposed to the storm, and pay attention to the latest weather information.
Meanwhile, according to official announcement, at of 8 a.m. today a total of 19 people had sought refuge in Macau’s various government-provided temporary shelters.
As of 1 p.m., no serious injuries or major damage had been reported.
At 1 p.m. Typhoon “Wipha” was estimated to be about 30km south-southeast of Macau, the bureau said, forecasting that it will move west-northwest at around 25km/h, gradually edging closer to Macau.
All ferry services and public bus routes remain suspended in Macau.
Macau SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai declared early today a state of immediate prevention and is overseeing the authorities' disaster prevention and mitigation measures.
According to Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK, Signal No.10 will also remain in force in the neighbouring special administrative region this afternoon.
While some 140 flights have been cancelled at the Macau International Airport for today, RTHK reported this afternoon that about 400 flights have been rescheduled, affecting around 80,000 passengers.
