The severity and frequency of typhoons has increased in Macao in recent years, with meteorologists blaming climate change.
Macao Typhoon
At least two people have been injured due to severe weather brought on by Typhoon Koinu, which pummelled Macao overnight with gale force winds.
Public transport has been suspended, flights cancelled and emergency shelters opened as Typhoon Koinu skirts close to the territory.
Typhoon signal no. 1 is in force, with meteorologists saying there is a ‘relatively high’ chance of a no. 3 signal being hoisted early on Saturday morning.
Meteorologists say the signal will remain in force today, with Macao set for unsettled weather as the weekend approaches.
Unsettled weather is forecast for later in the week as the storm enters the South China Sea on its journey toward coastal Guangdong.
This year, data shows more rain fell on Macao between June and September than it had during any summer since 2008.
The no 8 typhoon signal has been lowered to a no. 3, with businesses and transport services slowly resuming operations.
With wind speeds of 240 km/h, the Weather Bureau is expected to hoist a tropical cyclone signal today. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has suspended several high-speed train services to mainland China.
