Macao will upgrade its typhoon alert for Tropical Cyclone Tapah from signal no. 3 to signal no. 8 at 9 pm today, according to the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (known by its Portuguese initials SMG).
Once a level 8 typhoon has been hoisted, the city can expect to see a higher frequency of heavy showers and thunderstorms, wind speeds between 63 to 117 kilometres per hour and gust levels that could surpass 180 kilometres per hour.
A yellow storm surge warning is currently in force, with flooding between 0.5 to 1 metres expected to impact the low-lying Inner Harbour District tomorrow. The SMG noted that there was a “relatively low” probability of the storm surge signal being raised to an orange water level between 1.0 to 1.5 metres, although it did not “completely” discount this scenario due to possible changes in Tapah’s trajectory.
When signal no. 8 typhoon is raised, public transport services will be suspended. Based on past experience, Macao’s four cross-sea bridges will also be sealed off, although the enclosed lower deck of the Sai Van Bridge will open up for motorists wishing to move between the peninsula and Taipa. Residents and visitors are also advised to remain indoors.
As of 6 pm, Typhoon Tapah was situated 290 kilometres from Macao and was approaching the coast of western Guangdong province, moving in a North-northwest direction at approximately 20 kilometres per hour.
[See more: The Ultimate Macao Typhoon Survival Guide]
The approach of Tropical Cyclone Tapah has resulted in various disruptions to the local transport network. Earlier today, Macao’s international airport announced the cancellation of 38 arriving and departing flights between today and tomorrow. These include routes from TigerAir Taiwan, Starlux Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air Macau and Flyscoot that cover destinations such as mainland China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.
Meanwhile, the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal suspended sailings this afternoon after organising one final service to and from Zhuhai’s Wanzai Pier at 3:40 pm and 3:50 pm. Similarly, ferries between Macao, Shenzhen (Shekou and Fuyong) and Zhongshan have been cancelled until tomorrow.
As Tapah draws closer to Macao, the Marine and Water Affairs Bureau said it would not rule out other ferry operators suspending or adjusting their sailing schedule.
Macao is currently in the midst of typhoon season, which began in June and is forecasted to run until at least October. The city is due to be hit by between 5 to 8 tropical cyclones during this period, with roughly 2 to 4 of these storms slated to occur between September and December.
Some of the typhoons that have hit the SAR in recent months include the level 3 Wutip, which became the first tropical cyclone to impact the territory this year when it appeared in June. The largest typhoon to hit the city so far this year has been Wipha, which appeared in July, holding the distinction of being the earliest instance of a no. 10 signal typhoon to be raised in the city’s recorded history.
