The Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) lowered all tropical cyclone warning signals this morning but warned that the weather could worsen next week with the possible arrival of Tropical Cyclone “Ragasa,” which is expected to strengthen into a "strong" typhoon.
According to an SMG statement yesterday evening, “Tropical Cyclone Ragasa, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, is forecast to continue moving in a north-northwesterly direction over the coming days, with its intensity expected to increase significantly, possibly reaching the strength of a strong typhoon or above.”
The statement added that, “based on the current forecast track, Ragasa is expected to enter the northern South China Sea early next week. Given its anticipated broad circulation and the combined influence of a northeast monsoon, winds in Macau are expected to strengthen significantly from late Tuesday next week. Frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected in the middle of next week [Wednesday and Thursday], potentially accompanied by a noticeable level of storm surge.
“However, uncertainty remains regarding its trajectory and intensity. The public is advised to closely monitor the latest weather updates from the bureau and take early precautions against wind damage and flooding.”
"Strong" or "super" typhoon to threaten Macau next week?
A "strong typhoon" is defined by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) as a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds ranging from 111 to 130 miles per hour (approximately 178 to 209 kilometres per hour). This classification indicates a powerful storm that can cause considerable damage and poses significant risks to life and property. Strong typhoons are typically categorized as Category 3 or Category 4 hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific regions. - Poe
Some media reports have claimed that Ragasa could become a "super typhoon".
A "super typhoon" is defined by the WMO as a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained winds of at least 150 miles per hour (approximately 241 kilometres per hour). This classification indicates an extremely powerful storm capable of causing significant damage and posing serious risks to life and property. Super typhoons are equivalent to Category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific regions. - Poe
Macau has a five-level tropical cyclone warning system: 1 (standby), 3 (strong wind), 8, 9, 10 (the latter, according to the SMG website, indicates that "the centre of a tropical cyclone is expected to strike the immediate approaches of Macau. Winds with sustained speeds exceeding 118 km/h are anticipated in Macau, accompanied by gusts of great intensity."
Caption: Predicted track of Tropical Cyclone "Ragasa" - Source: SMG
