Beijing: Chinese authorities have issued the country’s highest typhoon warning as Typhoon Noul gains strength and heads towards the southern coastline, prompting large-scale emergency preparations across several provinces.
The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) upgraded its warning to a red alert, indicating the highest level of risk under China’s four-tier weather warning system. According to forecasters, Typhoon Noul is expected to strike the coast of Guangdong Province after intensifying over the South China Sea.
Meteorological officials said the storm’s eye was positioned roughly 100 kilometres southeast of Huidong County in Guangdong late Saturday, packing maximum sustained winds equivalent to Force 14 on China’s wind scale. The cyclone is moving northwest at nearly 20 kilometres per hour and is likely to strengthen further before making landfall.
After crossing the coast, the storm is projected to move north-northwest while gradually weakening, although authorities have warned that heavy rainfall, powerful winds and potential flooding could continue to affect inland areas.
In anticipation of severe weather, China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters elevated its emergency response for Guangdong to Level III. Separate flood emergency measures were also activated for the neighbouring provinces of Jiangxi and Hunan, where intense rainfall is expected as the system advances inland.
The approaching typhoon has already disrupted transportation across southern China. In Hong Kong, officials activated emergency protocols, leading to the cancellation of more than 410 flights and around 150 high-speed rail services. Authorities have also opened 28 temporary shelters for residents who may need to evacuate from vulnerable locations.
Weather agencies warned that the storm’s impact could extend beyond Guangdong, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast across parts of Fujian, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi over the coming days.
China classifies typhoon warnings into four colour-coded levels—blue, yellow, orange and red—with the current red alert reserved for the most dangerous weather events. Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to avoid unnecessary travel, secure outdoor property and follow evacuation instructions where issued, as emergency teams remain on standby for possible rescue and relief operations.
