HONG KONG, July 20 — Life in Hong Kong came to a sudden halt early Sunday as Typhoon Wipha barrelled closer, prompting the government to issue a T8 storm warning—its third-highest cyclone alert. As the winds howled and skies darkened, hundreds of flights were canceled, and daily routines were upended for thousands of residents.
The storm, which hovered about 280 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong at midnight, continues to gain strength as it churns through the northern South China Sea. Meteorologists at the Hong Kong Observatory warned of winds reaching 63 kilometers per hour or more, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the coast. They cautioned that intense thunderstorms and dangerous swells would likely continue throughout the region.
For many families, the alert meant disrupted plans, with all day schools and daycare centres suspended for Sunday. Public transportation has also taken a hit—bus services remain offline until at least midday, leaving the city eerily quiet as people hunker down.
Hong Kong International Airport has become a scene of confusion and frustration, with over 250 flights grounded. The Airport Authority warned that no passenger flights are expected to take off before Sunday noon. Travelers are being advised to check flight statuses and expect delays well into the day.
Meanwhile, mainland China’s Hainan and Guangdong provinces have also been placed on high alert. Typhoon Wipha is projected to continue moving toward these heavily populated regions, raising concern for further disruption and potential damage.
Across the South China Sea, the storm has already left its mark on the Philippines, with reports of heavy flooding and two people missing. The country’s disaster response agency remains on high alert as rescue efforts continue.
As the city watches and waits, Hong Kong is reminded once again of nature’s raw power—forcing everyone, from international travelers to schoolchildren, to pause and take shelter.
