The no. 3 typhoon signal has now been raised in Macao, with severe tropical storm Wipha moving closer to the territory.
At 2 pm, Wipha was estimated to be about 620 kilometres east-southeast of Macao and is forecast to move west-northwest at around 20 kilometers per hour toward the coast of Guangdong province.
Under Macao’s typhoon warning system, a no. 3 signal means that winds with sustained speeds of up to 62 kilometres per hour are expected, with gusts that may exceed 110 kilometers per hour.
When a no. 3 signal is raised, residents are asked to check the stability of doors and windows, clear drains, and secure loose exposed items such as plant pots and outdoor furniture. Motorists should pay close attention when using cross-sea bridges and be alert for violent gusts. Small vessels should seek safe haven.
In a bulletin issued at 2:40 pm, Macao’s Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (called the SMG after its Portuguese initials) warned that under its present track Wipha could “directly impact Macao.”
The bureau says that the chance of a signal no. 8 being hoisted in the early hours of Sunday is “high,” while the chance of a no. 9 signal later on Sunday is “medium to relatively high.”
[See more: Global climate change is behind the rise in severe typhoons]
In the event of a no. 8 signal or higher, ferry services and public transport will be suspended, along with the operation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and non-essential medical services. Many flights will also be cancelled, and intending travellers are strongly urged to call the airport hotline on (853) 2886 1111, or their respective airlines, prior to setting off for the airport.
In an announcement posted to its website just after 3:30 pm, ferry operator TurboJet said that ferry schedules may be adjusted due to the incoming typhoon. Some sailings, such as those between Macao and Hong Kong International Airport, have already been suspended. Passengers are asked to pay close attention to further announcements before heading to the ferry terminal. More information can be obtained by sending a query via WhatsApp to (853) 2855 5025.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau has advised that some programme items for the Macao International Children’s Arts Festival, originally scheduled for later today, have been cancelled.
Meanwhile, a blue storm surge warning is currently in force. This means that flooding of up to 50 centimetres above road level may occur in low lying areas of Macao. The SMG is warning of flooding between 2 pm on Sunday and 1 am on Monday.
When a storm surge warning is in force, residents are asked to move objects away from areas prone to flooding, and to avoid parking cars in underground car parks. Basements in low-lying districts should not be entered. The power supply system of buildings may be affected by floodwaters and suddenly cut off, meaning that use of lifts should be avoided.
According to the SMG, there is a medium chance of a yellow storm surge warning being issued tonight, meaning that flooding of up to 1 metre above sea level may occur.
