Typhoon Warning Issued in Shenzhen, HK as Tropical Depression Nears

By Krishna Barot, August 10, 2018

At 5pm yesterday, Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau issued a white typhoon warning, alerting Shenzhen residents to the “probable effects of a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours.”

Places covered in the alert include “the land area of Shenzhen, Western Sea Area and Eastern Sea Area,” according to Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau’s website.

Shortly after the typhoon warning was issued in Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Observatory followed suit, issuing a No. 1 typhoon standby signal.

Both warnings were issued in response to a tropical depression to the south of Guangdong province. At 5.15pm yesterday, when Hong Kong Observatory issued the typhoon warning, the storm was 540 kilometers southwest of the Special Administrative Region (SAR), according to South China Morning Post.

As of 11am this morning, the storm was reportedly 410 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong with a maximum sustained wind of approximately 45 kilometers per hour. Forecasts indicate the tropical depression will move north-northwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour towards Hainan Island and the western section of Guangdong.

The latest update from the Hong Kong Observatory, published at 1.45pm today, states:

“Showers and thunderstorms associated with the tropical depression are affecting the Pearl River Delta region. Rainbands are expected to bring occasional squally showers to Hong Kong today and over the weekend.”

The notice adds that the storm will likely maintain some distance from the SAR, and the chances of an increased storm warning are relatively low.

Authorities at the Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau have urged citizens stay tuned to the news for updated weather forecasts. The bureau is also reminding those that work on the sea, or near it, to exercise caution, as large waves may be an issue.

According to current weather forecasts (as of 4.40pm, August 10), residents in Guangzhou can expect winds up to 26 kilometers per hour this weekend, as well as thundershowers. Meanwhile, those in Shenzhen can expect wind speeds up to 29 kilometers per hour, in addition to rain, cloudy skies and lightening, according to the Weather Channel.

[Cover image: screengrab via Hong Kong Observatory]