Typhoon “Wipha” Triggers T10 Warning in Hong Kong, Cancels 500 Flights, Closes Schools

Kokcha News Agency: Hong Kong has raised its highest T10 warning level as Typhoon Wipha approaches, bringing with it winds exceeding 118 km/h and posing a significant threat to the region. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the typhoon was located 60 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong as of 10:00 AM local time today.

The typhoon has already caused massive waves along the eastern coast of Hong Kong Island, and gale-force winds are affecting the southern parts of the city. The T10 warning, the highest level of typhoon alert, indicates that the storm is extremely dangerous and could cause widespread damage.

In response to the typhoon, Hong Kong International Airport has canceled 500 flights and rescheduled 400 others. Hundreds of residents have sought refuge in government shelters, and authorities have reported more than 10 incidents of fallen trees and at least one injury.

All schools and care centers in Hong Kong have been closed, and local train services have been significantly reduced. The typhoon is expected to make landfall near Hong Kong later today before moving westward and potentially reaching Vietnam next week.

The Chinese provinces of Hainan and Guangdong have also been placed on high alert as the typhoon approaches. According to Xinhua News Agency, the storm is currently moving towards Macau and Zhuhai in China.

This is the first T10 warning issued in Hong Kong since 2023, when the city faced Super Typhoon Saola.