Macau’s observatory has announced this morning that it will hoist Tropical Cyclone No.10 at 12:30 p.m. today
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) also said that it will hoist Typhoon Warning Signal No.9 at 11 a.m.
Signal No.9 will replace Signal No.8 which was hoisted at 4 a.m. today. It is Macau's fourth-highest tropical cyclone signal of a five-level warning system.
According to the SMG website, Signal No.9 indicates that a “tropical cyclone is further approaching Macau. Winds with a sustained speed of 63 to 117 km/h are blowing and intensifying or are expected to intensify significantly."
Due to Signal No.9, the bureau urged the public to suspend all outdoor and marine activities, to stay indoor as far as possible and to stay away from exposed doors and windows, as the tropical cyclone “will have a serious impact on Macau”.
According to a statement by the observatory at 10 a.m. today, Typhoon “Wipha” has been moving steadily westward over the past few hours. According to the current forecast, the statement noted, Typhoon “Wipha” will pass within 50 km south of Macau during the daytime, accompanied by gales and heavy showers with thunderstorms.
The bureau underlined that Typhoon "Wipha" has further intensified over the past few hours.
According to the current forecast track, "Wipha" will directly and "significantly" impact Macau, with gale-force winds, heavy showers, and thunderstorms, the bureau said.
“Wind strength may reach level 12. Therefore, Tropical Cyclone Signal No.9 will be issued at 11 a.m. today, and Tropical Cyclone Signal No.10 will be issued at 12:30 p.m,” the bureau said.
According to the SMG website, Signal No.10 indicates that the centre of a tropical cyclone will strike at the immediate approaches of Macau; "winds with a sustained speed exceeding 118 km/h are expected or are blowing in Macau, with gusts of great intensity."
The statement also predicted flooding in low-lying areas such in the Inner Harbour area this afternoon.
“As 'Wipha' will have a greater impact on Macau, the public are advised to stay in safe indoor places and pay attention to the latest weather information,” the bureau said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has declared a state of immediate prevention, which took effect at 4 a.m. today.
According to official announcements, in response to the typhoon threat, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) was closed at 3:30 a.m. today. The four Macau-Taipa bridges were closed at 5:30 a.m. However, the enclosed lower deck of Sai Van Bridge remains open, the authorities have announced.
The Macau-Zhuhai Barrier Gate and Qingmao border checkpoints were closed at 6 a.m. Public bus transport in Macau and all ferry links with Hong Kong have been suspended, the government has announced.
According to public broadcaster TDM, some 140 flights scheduled for today at the local airport have been cancelled.
At 10 a.m., according to the observatory, Typhoon “Wipha” was estimated to be about 90 km east-southeast of Macau. The bureau forecast “Wipha” to move west-northwest at around 25km/h, keeping edging closer to the Pearl River Estuary.
No serious injuries or major damage had been reported by 1 a.m.
Signal No.10 has also been hoisted in Hong Kong.
