China's National Meteorological Centre (NMC) issued a red alert, the most severe in its four-tier warning system, as Typhoon Noul, the 12th typhoon of the year, approached the southern coast. The typhoon is expected to make landfall along the coast of Guangdong Province.
Storm Details and Path
Late Saturday night, the NMC reported the typhoon's centre was approximately 100 kilometres offshore southeast of Huidong County in Huizhou City, Guangdong. Maximum winds near the centre reached Force 14 on the Beaufort scale. The NMC forecast that Typhoon Noul would move northwestward at about 20 kilometres per hour while continuing to strengthen. After landfall, it is expected to shift to a north-northwestward course and gradually weaken, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
Emergency Responses Activated
On Saturday, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon control in Guangdong Province to Level III. It also activated a Level IV flood emergency response for the neighbouring provinces of Jiangxi and Hunan. The alert covers multiple regions including Fujian, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi, affecting large parts of eastern, central and southern China.
Preparations in Hong Kong
Hong Kong initiated emergency measures as the storm approached. More than 410 flights and 150 high-speed train services were cancelled. The Home Affairs Department opened 28 shelters to accommodate residents in anticipation of the storm.
China's Typhoon Warning System
China's colour-coded typhoon warning system uses red for the most severe alert, followed by orange, yellow and blue. The red alert signals that extreme weather conditions are imminent or already occurring, prompting widespread preventive actions.
