Super Typhoon Yagi live: Deadly storm makes landfall in China as 400,000 evacuated
Super Typhoon Yagi is making landfall on China’s Hainan island, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds to much of the southern Chinese coastline as well as Hong Kong and Macau.
Chinese state media said 400,000 had been evacuated in Hainan as schools were closed for a second day and flights were cancelled across the region.
The storm’s windspeeds reached 245kmph this morning, making Yagi the second-most powerful tropical cyclone anywhere in the world for 2024.
The eye of storm reached the northern tip of Hainan island on Friday afternoon, weather maps showed. It is expected to impact a large swathe of China before moving off towards Vietnam and Laos over the weekend.
Hainan had relocated 419,367 residents, transport links and businesses have been shut across the region, including the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge, the world’s longest sea crossing. The storm also closed the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Four airports in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, have been shut.
Yagi doubled in strength after striking northern Philippines where it killed 16 people.
Scientists warn that typhoons are becoming stronger due to warmer oceans, fueled by climate crisis.
Key Points
Yagi makes landfall on China’s Hainan
Yagi to make second landfall in Guangdong
China evacuates over 400,000 people ahead of Typhoon Yagi landfall
Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and arrival time
Vietnam cancels hundreds of flights and shuts down airports ahead of Typhoon Yagi arrival
Why super typhoons like Yagi are becoming more common
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Friday 6 September 2024 18:09 , Tom Watling
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Photos: Rescue operations in Philippines following landslide triggered by Storm Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 06:30 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is strongest tropical cyclone of 2024 so far
Thursday 5 September 2024 06:58 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi, also known as Enteng in the Philippines, is the strongest tropical cyclone of 2024 worldwide, Matthew Cuyugan, a disaster management office in the Philippines, wrote on X.
It achieved this status with a minimum central pressure of 915 millibars and winds likely exceeding 160 mph, making it a Category 5 equivalent typhoon by various classifications, including the Japan Meteorological Agency’s (JMA) highest storm classification as a “violent typhoon.”
BREAKING: #Yagi (formerly #EntengPH) becomes the strongest tropical cyclone WORLDWIDE this 2024.
It is now a VIOLENT typhoon by Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) - the highest storm classification by the RSMC Tokyo in the Western Pacific (WPAC) basin, and becoming the first… pic.twitter.com/MV16vU6k0p— Matthew Cuyugan (@mscuyugan) September 5, 2024
How Hong Kong's typhoon alert system works
Thursday 5 September 2024 07:10 , Stuti Mishra
As Super Typhoon Yagi approaches Hong Kong, the city is set to raise the No 8 typhoon signal, prompting widespread closures and disruptions.
The Hong Kong Observatory uses a numbered typhoon warning system to alert residents to the severity of approaching storms and guide them in taking appropriate action. Here’s how the system works:
No 1 Signal: The first level, No 1, is issued when a tropical cyclone is within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong. At this stage, the storm does not pose an immediate threat, but the signal serves as an early alert for the public to stay informed and monitor updates on the storm’s development.
No 3 Signal: As the storm draws closer and winds intensify to between 41 and 62 kmph, the No 3 signal is raised. This warning typically results in the closure of kindergartens and special schools, as seen earlier when Typhoon Yagi approached. Residents in exposed or vulnerable areas are advised to secure loose objects and take precautions against potential wind damage.
No 8 Signal: When winds reach 63 to 117 kmph, the No 8 signal is issued, as will be the case with Super Typhoon Yagi at 6.20pm local time (10.20am GMT) on Thursday. This is a critical alert, leading to the closure of businesses and a halt to most public transport services. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
No 9 and No 10 Signals: For the most severe conditions, No 9 and No 10 signals are issued, indicating winds above 118 kmph. These warnings signal extreme danger, advising residents to stay away from windows, avoid coastal areas, and remain indoors until the storm passes.
As Yagi is expected to pass 300 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, the observatory has warned of deteriorating weather and stronger winds, with further alerts possible if the storm intensifies. Residents were asked to prepare for the impact expected from Thursday night through Friday morning.
Which countries will be affected by Super Typhoon Yagi?
Thursday 5 September 2024 07:30 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to bring heavy wind gusts and rainfall to several countries in Southeast Asia. Starting with China’s southeastern coast, particularly Guangdong and Hainan Island, Yagi will also affect northern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand as it moves westward.
In China, Yagi’s landfall on Hainan will bring dangerous winds and torrential rain, with the strongest impact from Friday through Sunday. Major cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou are bracing for possible flooding and disruptions.
As the storm moves inland, northern Vietnam will experience heavy rains and strong winds, with the risk of flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.
Northern Laos and Thailand are also expected to face similar conditions, with intense rainfall potentially causing flash floods and landslides. Although the storm will weaken by the time it reaches these areas.
Photos: Residents in Philippines clean flooded homes after Tropical Storm Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 08:10 , Stuti Mishra
Rainfall from Typhoon Yagi could exceed 30 inches as storm strengthens, forecaster warns
Thursday 5 September 2024 08:43 , Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Yagi, known as Enteng in the Philippines, is expected to intensify further as it tracks westward across the northern South China Sea in the coming days, according to warnings from AccuWeather meteorologists.
The storm, which is already generating substantial rainfall, is forecasted to bring between 16 and 30 inches (400 to 760 mm) of rain to regions including southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand from Friday through Sunday. Such heavy rainfall could lead to severe flooding, mudslides, and significant transportation disruptions.
Wind speeds associated with Yagi are also projected to be extreme. Gusts could reach up to 160 mph (260 kmph), with AccuWeather forecast showing it potentially peaking at 180 mph (290 kmph). These powerful winds pose risks of substantial structural damage, widespread power outages, and major logistical delays. The most intense winds are expected near the storm's landfall, potentially impacting the Leizhou Peninsula or Hainan Island.
Photo: Funerals held for victims of landslide triggered by Storm Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 09:00 , Stuti Mishra
Dozens of flights cancelled in Hong Kong amid Super Typhoon Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 09:30 , Stuti Mishra
Thirty-eight flights were cancelled in Hong Kong today as the city prepared for Super Typhoon Yagi. The Airport Authority announced that transport arrangements will be made for affected passengers.
Chapman Fong Shui-man, deputy director for airport operations, said that all cancelled flights will be rescheduled on Friday, according to SCMP.
The most impacted airlines were Cathay Pacific Airways, budget carrier HK Express, Greater Bay Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines.
Some bus services to the airport will also be suspended, with MTR trains adjusting services to fill the gaps left by the buses, Mr Fong said.
Hong Kong is set to issue its third-highest typhoon signal, No 8, at 6.40pm local time, which will shut many businesses and reduce transport in the region.
The city's weather observatory warns of intense rain bands affecting the territory, with heavy showers expected to continue today and tomorrow.
Macau under alert ahead of Super Typhoon Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 09:55 , Stuti Mishra
Macau has raised its alert level as Super Typhoon Yagi, currently in the northern South China Sea, moves west-northwest toward the region between Guangdong and Hainan Island.
Yagi is expected to pass within 300 kilometres south of Macau tomorrow bringing strengthening winds and frequent thunderstorms.
Due to the storm's extensive circulation, the Tropical Cyclone Signal No 8 may be issued on tonight, a government statement said.
Hong Kong is also expected to raise No 8 alert this evening.
In addition to the typhoon warning, low-lying areas in Macau's inner harbour could experience minor flooding of up to 0.5 meters, it said, raising the possibility of a Blue or Yellow Storm Surge Warning, depending on Yagi's exact path and intensity.
Photos: Waves thrash Chinese shore and dark clouds cover the sky ahead of Typhoon Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 10:15 , Stuti Mishra
Urgent action ordered as Vietnam prepares for Super Typhoon Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 10:30 , Stuti Mishra
Vietnam's prime minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a call for urgent action as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches, with the storm expected to impact northern the and central regions of the country.
The typhoon, which intensified on Thursday while churning towards China's Hainan province, is expected to bring dangerous winds and heavy rains to coastal and inland areas of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand over the next few days.
A directive was sent by the Vietnamese PM to leaders of provinces and cities, including major regions such as Hanoi, Haiphong, and Quang Ninh, urging them to prioritise storm preparedness and public safety, according to Vietnam Plus.
The storm is forecast to impact the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam on Friday as it makes landfall in China, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of floods and landslides.
Local authorities are instructed to postpone non-essential meetings, focus on securing vulnerable communities, and protect critical infrastructure like dykes, dams, and transportation networks, the news outlet reported.
Coastal areas and offshore vessels are also being secured, and all efforts are being made to prevent urban flooding and damage to agricultural production.
Deputy prime minister Tran Hong Ha has been tasked with overseeing response efforts, ensuring swift action to minimise the storm's impact on lives and property.
Photos: People wade through knee-deep water in Philippines after flooding from Typhoon Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 10:50 , Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong schools to stay closed on Friday as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches
Thursday 5 September 2024 11:10 , Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong will halt all school classes tomorrow as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
The suspension affects all day schools, including kindergartens, primary, secondary, and special schools, the Education Bureau announced on Thursday.
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will issue its No 8 typhoon signal – the third level in a five-tiered system – at 6pm (local time) on Thursday, and it is set to remain in effect until at least noon on Friday.
Thursday evening classes have also been cancelled as a precaution.
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to pass 300km southwest of Hong Kong on Friday morning. The current No 3 warning has been in place since yesterday night.
Dozens of flights have also been cancelled.
Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and forecast
Thursday 5 September 2024 11:30 , Stuti Mishra
Storm Yagi has intensified into a super typhoon as it churns towards China, making it possibly the strongest storm to hit the country in nearly a decade.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 209kmph (130mph) near its eye, Yagi registers as the world's second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane Beryl.
Its epicentre was located around 400km southeast of Zhanjiang City in Guangdong province on Thursday evening, moving westward at 10-15kmph.
The storm will have the biggest impact on Guangdong and Hainan, with landfall expected between Qionghai and Dianbai on Friday but Vietnam, Laos and Thailand can also expect heavy rainfall.
Major cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou are bracing for possible flooding and disruptions.
Here's the path for Super Typhoon Yagi and forecast for next few days.
Mapped: Yagi becomes a super typhoon as it heads for Chinese coast
Super Typhoon Yagi rainfall forecast: Up to 30 inches of rain expected
Thursday 5 September 2024 11:50 , Stuti Mishra
The latest rainfall forecast from AccuWeather shows Yagi is expected to bring up to 16 inches (400 mm) of rain, with some areas possibly receiving as much as 30 inches (760 mm), across southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand between Friday and Sunday.
Super Typhoon Yagi to lash east and west coasts of Thailand
Thursday 5 September 2024 12:10 , Stuti Mishra
Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and windstorms this weekend as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches.
The storm, moving slowly westward from the South China Sea, is expected to pass over Hainan Island in China and reach northern Vietnam by Friday or Saturday, bringing significant weather impacts.
Thanasit Iam-ananchai, acting director-general of the Meteorological Department, said northern and northeastern Thailand will see heavy downpours and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday as a result of Yagi’s outer bands.
Coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will also experience monsoon-driven rains on Thursday and Friday, with warnings of potential flash floods and runoffs.
Small boats are advised to remain ashore along both coasts until Sunday due to rough seas.
While Yagi’s main impact is centred on southern China, it is also expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, bringing significant rainfall to the region over the weekend.
Hong Kong Stock Exchange to close on Friday amid Typhoon Yagi disruptions
Thursday 5 September 2024 12:30 , Stuti Mishra
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) will be closed on Friday morning due to Typhoon Yagi and could remain shuttered for the whole day.
The storm has prompted a No 8 alert from the Hong Kong Observatory, the third level in a five-tier warning system.Issued at 6.20pm local time, this alert indicates gale or storm-force winds near sea level and is expected to remain in effect at least until noon on Friday.
Under the current rules of the HKEX, a Typhoon Signal No 8 leads to the cancellation of the morning trading session.The status of the afternoon session will depend on whether the alert is lowered by noon.
If the signal is still in place, trading for the day will be entirely suspended.In addition to financial market impacts, Typhoon Yagi has also led to dozens of flight cancellations in Hong Kong and Hainan.
In photos: Rescue operations in Philippines after landslides
Thursday 5 September 2024 12:50 , Stuti Mishra
How typhoons like Yagi are getting stronger and more dangerous
Thursday 5 September 2024 13:10 , Stuti Mishra
Typhoons have been growing more intense in recent years, a phenomenon closely linked to the effects of the climate crisis.
Warmer ocean temperatures are providing the fuel that intensifies these storms, increasing their wind speeds and the amount of rain they produce.
Scientists warn that as the planet continues to warm, typhoons and hurricanes will become more frequent and destructive.In 2024 alone, we’ve seen several powerful storms, including Super Typhoon Yagi, which devastated the Philippines and is now heading towards China, and Hurricane Beryl that tore through the Caribbean, Mexico and the US.
Yagi’s winds have exceeded 200kmph, placing it among the strongest storms on record. Similarly, Typhoon Shanshan, which hit Japan last week, was the country’s most powerful storm in decades.
These supercharged storms pose significant threats to coastal regions, as they bring not only strong winds but also the risk of extreme flooding and landslides.
Rising sea levels exacerbate this risk, making coastal areas even more vulnerable to storm surges.
Read how tropical storms are intensifying:
Climate crisis driving increasingly damaging hurricanes on US East Coast
Video: Flooded streets in Philippines after Typhoon Yagi
Thursday 5 September 2024 13:30 , Stuti Mishra
What does 'Yagi' mean?
Thursday 5 September 2024 14:00 , Stuti Mishra
Yagi is the Japanese word for goat and for the constellation of Capricornus, a mythical creature that is half goat, half fish.
Tropical storms in the Western Pacific are named by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Tokyo. They use a pre-determined list of names contributed by countries in the region, such as Japan, China, and the Philippines. Each list cycles every four years.
Fishing trips, rail services and flights cancelled
Thursday 5 September 2024 14:20 , Jane Dalton
China’s official news agency, Xinhua, said tens of thousands of fishing boats returned to ports in Hainan and elsewhere to seek shelter, along with nearly 70,000 fishermen.
State broadcaster CCTV said some railway services were suspended, starting Thursday evening.
Hainan Meteorological Service forecast that the typhoon would make landfall tomorrow along the region from Qionghai in Hainan to Dianbai in neighboring Guangdong province.
Meteorological authorities said it could be the strongest typhoon to hit Hainan in the past 10 years, Xinhua reported. The tropical island is a popular tourist destination known for its holiday resorts and duty-free shopping allowance.
In Guangdong, all coastal tourist attractions and beaches were ordered to close from Wednesday evening, with dozens of flights cancelled at the airport in Zhuhai city, state media China Daily reported.
Check emergency kits, embassy in Vietnam suggests
Thursday 5 September 2024 14:50 , Jane Dalton
The US embassy in Vietnam has advised people to check emergency kits to ensure they have medicines and other supplies in case they have to flee their homes in an emergency.
It also advises residents to reinforce roofs and secure loose objects.
“An urgent directive issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, states that Yagi is highly likely to affect the sea and mainland of the northern and north-central regions. Coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ninh are advised to prepare for the storm,” it says.
Vietnam predicted to be hit on Saturday
Thursday 5 September 2024 15:15 , Jane Dalton
After causing havoc on China’s Leizhou Peninsula, Typhoon Yagi is forecast to hit northern Vietnam on Saturday, according to hurricane tracker Zoom Earth.
After pummeling China’s Leizhou Peninsula, Typhoon #Yagi is forecast to pass straight into the Gulf of Tonkin and strike northern Vietnam on Saturday 🇻🇳 pic.twitter.com/LnzMa7diQF
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 5, 2024
Yagi may be strongest in nearly a decade
Thursday 5 September 2024 15:45 , Jane Dalton
Super-Typhoon Yagi could turn out to be the strongest storm to hit the country in nearly a decade. Here’s how it developed:
Mapped: Yagi becomes a super typhoon as it heads for Chinese coast
Storm chasers ignore warnings
Thursday 5 September 2024 16:15 , Jane Dalton
Storm chasers have ignored warnings to stay safe and have been seen travelling to areas to view the typhoon, according to the South China Morning Post.
Some were seen at spots such as Heng Fa Chuen and the East Coast Park Precinct, it reported.
In may the government pledged to step up enforcement and prosecution against such “dangerous behaviour”, which could put rescuers in danger.
People who enter public beaches or country parks that are closed during a typhoon face a HK$2,000 fine or 14 days in jail.
Yagi second only to devastating Beryl
Thursday 5 September 2024 16:45 , Jane Dalton
Yagi registers as the world’s second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl.
In early July, Beryl tore through the southeastern Caribbean, killing seven people and leaving two islands of Grenada in almost “complete destruction”.
Seven people killed and islands flattened as hurricane Beryl devastates Carribean
Selfie time in Hong Kong
Thursday 5 September 2024 17:15 , Jane Dalton
Typhoon ‘strongest yet’ in South China Sea area
Thursday 5 September 2024 17:45 , Jane Dalton
Yagi is the strongest typhoon on record in that part of the South China Sea, one meteorologist says.
The eye of Typhoon Yagi is now within radar range of the southern coast of China 🇨🇳
With 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 195 km/hr, Yagi is the strongest typhoon on record in this part of the South China Sea.#台風11号 | #Yagi | #台风摩羯 pic.twitter.com/wnFiCthUjC— James Cosgrove (@MrJamesCosgrove) September 5, 2024
Philippines clearing up
Thursday 5 September 2024 18:15 , Jane Dalton
Householders in the Philippines are still clearing up after the super-typhoon struck on Wednesday, killing 14 people.
Storm Yagi heads for Chinese coast after leaving 14 dead in the Philippines
Surfers flout beach closure order
Thursday 5 September 2024 18:45 , Jane Dalton
Police in Hong Kong searched a popular beach for a group of surfers who flouted a closure order, just an hour before the city issued a severe No 8 warning over Super-Typhoon Yagi on Thursday, the South China Morning Post reported.
Typhoon equivalent to category 4 hurricane
Thursday 5 September 2024 19:15 , Jane Dalton
The typhoon has wind speeds equivalent to a category 4 hurricane, according to the US Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center, with maximum sustained winds of about 150 mph.
The storm is forecast to hit Guangdong and Hainan provinces after moving west over the South China Sea on Friday evening.
Yagi intensifies slightly
Thursday 5 September 2024 20:00 , Jane Dalton
Gale-force winds are hitting Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary, with occasional storm winds offshore and on high ground, the Hong Kong Observatory said.
Yagi, which is skirting the southwest of the territory, has intensified slightly.
Intense rainbands associated with Yagi will continue to bring heavy squally showers, the observatory said, adding: “Members of the public should remain on the alert.”
Typhoons fuelled by climate crisis
Thursday 5 September 2024 21:00 , Jane Dalton
Yagi strengthened into a super-typhoon on Wednesday night as it barreled towards China.
Typhoons are becoming stronger, fuelled by warmer oceans, amid climate change, scientists say. Read more here about typhoons around the world since 2017.
Airport footage shows gale-force winds
Thursday 5 September 2024 22:00 , Jane Dalton
Footage from Hong Kong International Airport illustrates how strong the winds already are in the region.
#HCHInternacionales | En imágenes desde la zona de la plataforma del Aeropuerto Internacional de Hong Kong mientras avanza el súper tifón Yagi, que podría convertirse en el ciclón tropical más poderoso de 2024.
▶ Un total de 38 vuelos fueron cancelados en el Aeropuerto… pic.twitter.com/7zsFrArzak— HCH Televisión Digital (@HCHTelevDigital) September 5, 2024
Three people injured in high winds and rain
Thursday 5 September 2024 23:00 , Jane Dalton
Two men and a woman in Hong Kong were injured during the storm and needed hospital treatment, the South China Morning Post reports.
And 32 reports of fallen trees have been received, it said.
A second amber warning of heavy rain was issued.
Six people killed by Japan storm last week
Friday 6 September 2024 00:01 , Jane Dalton
It’s only a week since Typhoon Shanshan lashed Japan, killing six people and injuring at least 130.
It also caused flight cancellations, train suspensions and factory shutdowns:
Typhoon Shanshan wreaks havoc across Japan despite weakening to tropical storm
Residents of Haikou city ‘in great danger'
Friday 6 September 2024 01:20 , Jane Dalton
Residents of the city of Haikou on the island of Hainan are in the direct line of super-typhoon Yagi, it’s claimed.
“This is a very dangerous situation for the city of Haikou, #Hainan, a city that has 2 million people who are in great danger as it looks like Typhoon #Yagi is making a direct aim on it,” said @StormHQwx, a social media account that gives storm forecasts and analysis.
This is a very dangerous situation for the city of Haikou, #Hainan, a city that has 2 million people who are in great danger as it looks like Typhoon #Yagi is making a direct aim on it.
With the recent trends of the storm with it at least maintaining strength/strengthening a… pic.twitter.com/ftAqvONtxD— StormHQ ☈ (@StormHQwx) September 5, 2024
How storm threatening Hainan and Vietnam
Friday 6 September 2024 02:45 , Jane Dalton
A map from Accuweather shows the worst of the storm sitting east, west and south of the island of Hainan, and just off Vietnam.
Yagi left 14 dead in Philippines
Friday 6 September 2024 04:00 , Jane Dalton
Storm Yagi heads for Chinese coast after leaving 14 dead in the Philippines
Super Typhoon Yagi drenches southern China as it inches closer
Friday 6 September 2024 05:02 , Stuti Mishra
Powerful gales and heavy rain from Super Typhoon Yagi drenched southern China on Friday, with schools shut for the second day and flights cancelled.
China's government sent task forces to Guangdong and Hainan to guide flood and typhoon prevention, official news agency Xinhua said as authorities issued high risk warnings for geological disasters in northern Shanxi, southern Guangdong and most areas of Hainan island.
In Hainan's capital Haikou, streets were deserted as people stayed indoors, photographs on social media showed.
Typhoon Yagi to make landfall as it inches closer to Hainan
Friday 6 September 2024 05:53 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is inching closer to China’s southern coast as it is set to make landfall today.
Packing winds of 152mph, the storm is one of the strongest in Asia this year and equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.
The storm is moving at a speed of 20km and is about to make landfall somewhere between Hainan’s Wenchang city and Xuwen county in neighbouring Guangdong province this afternoon.
Yagi has maintained its intensity as a super typhoon and is likely to weaken slightly as it interacts with land, but it will still hit the region with significant force.
After China, Yagi will move towards Laos and Vietnam.
Here’s the storm’s path:
Hong Kong Stock Exchange shut today
Friday 6 September 2024 06:14 , Stuti Mishra
Trading on the stock market, bank services and schools were halted in Hong Kong after the city’s weather authority raised a No. 8 typhoon signal for Typhoon Yagi, the third-highest warning under the city’s weather system.
The warning will stay in place until noon before potentially getting downgraded as the storm moves away from Hong Kong.
Hainan residents brace for Typhoon Yagi
Friday 6 September 2024 06:51 , Stuti Mishra
In Hainan, a tropical holiday island in southern China, residents were bracing for the powerful storm.
Schools were shut for the second day and flights were halted as the storm inched closer.
The province's meteorological service expected Yagi to make landfall somewhere between the province's Wenchang city and Xuwen county in neighboring Guangdong province later Friday.
People built sandbag barriers outside buildings to guard against possible floods and reinforced their windows with tape on Thursday, China's official Xinhua news agency reported.
The official China Daily said classes, work, transportation and businesses were suspended in parts of the province as early as Wednesday evening.
Some tourist attractions were closed and all flights at its international airport in Haikou city were grounded on Friday.
Why Super Typhoon Yagi's landfall is rare
Friday 6 September 2024 07:10 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to make landfall in Hainan in a few hours, marking the most severe storm to hit the island since 2014.
Before Yagi, the last super typhoon to hit Hainan was Rammasun, which killed 88 people and caused over 44 billion yuan ($6.25 billion) in damages.
Following a similar path as Rammasun, Yagi formed over the warm waters east of the Philippines and was projected to arrive as a Category 4 storm, bringing winds strong enough to overturn vehicles, uproot trees, and damage infrastructure.
Landfalls of this magnitude are rare for Hainan, where only nine out of 106 typhoons between 1949 and 2023 were classified as super typhoons.
Vietnam cancels hundreds of flights and shuts down airports ahead of Typhoon Yagi arrival
Friday 6 September 2024 07:31 , Stuti Mishra
Four airports in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, will be closed on Saturday, Vietnam's civil aviation authority said.
Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport will remain closed from 10am to 7pm local time (3am to noon GMT).
Airports in the coastal cities of Quang Ninh and Haiphong will be shut from early Saturday until 4pm the same day, and the airport in Thanh Hoa will suspend services from midday until late Saturday, CAAV said.
Airports are also shut in the port city of Haiphong and the province of Quang Ninh, home to the UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay and many large factories.
About 240 domestic and 70 international flights would be suspended to "ensure absolute safety" and "prevent the impact of the storm on the technical infrastructure."
Photo: Workers cut redundant branches off of trees in Hainan
Friday 6 September 2024 07:50 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi making landfall in Hainan
Friday 6 September 2024 08:15 , Stuti Mishra
The eye of Super Typhoon Yagi has reached the northeastern tip of Hainan Island in southern China.
The typhoon's bands have been lashing the island province since yesterday with the wider region, especially the Guangdong province, also feeling the impact.
Over the next few hours, the storm will slowly move westwards, eventually coming out into the waters again as it takes aim at northern Vietnam next.
Powerful Typhoon #Yagi is making landfall over the northeastern tip of #Hainan Island in southern #China. It is the strongest typhoon to hit the island since Typhoon Rammasun in 2014. pic.twitter.com/DUo0HizB4d
— Met Office Storms (@metofficestorms) September 6, 2024
China evacuates over 400,000 people ahead of Typhoon Yagi landfall
Friday 6 September 2024 08:24 , Stuti Mishra
China's southern island of Hainan has evacuated more than 400,000 people ahead of Yagi's arrival, state media said.
"The southern Chinese province of Hainan had relocated 419,367 residents as of 11.30am on Friday with super typhoon Yagi approaching," state news agency Xinhua said, citing local authorities.
Photo: Businesses tape glass windows as Typhoon Yagi brings strong winds to Hainan
Friday 6 September 2024 08:48 , Stuti Mishra
Satellite image shows Typhoon Yagi’s eye at the tip of Hainan island
Friday 6 September 2024 08:55 , Stuti Mishra
Tracing Super Typhoon Yagi path as storm makes landfall in China
Friday 6 September 2024 09:28 , Stuti Mishra
Yagi’s eye has reached the northwest tip of Hainan. The storm’s outer bands have been generating heavy rainfall and wind gusts in southeast China, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and Laos.
The storm is expected to weaken over the next few hours as it moves over land, but it will continue on its path to northern and western Vietnam, intensifying rain in Laos and impacting Thailand over the weekend.
Here’s the path of the storm:
Typhoon Yagi downgraded from 'violent' to 'very strong'
Friday 6 September 2024 09:45 , Stuti Mishra
Yagi is now graded as a "very strong" typhoon instead of a "violent typhoon" by the Japan Meteorological Agency after it made landfall in Hainan, China.
The storm has a central pressure of 925 hPa and is packing winds of up to 180 kmph near the centre. But wind gusts can reach as high as 252 kmph.
Very strong typhoons, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, have maximum sustained wind speeds of 157-193 kmph, while violent typhoons have maximum sustained wind speeds of 194 kmph or greater, according to the JMA classification.
Hurricane vs typhoon: What is the difference?
Friday 6 September 2024 10:04 , Stuti Mishra
Hurricanes and typhoons are essentially the same weather phenomenon, but they are distinguished by their geographic location.Hurricanes are tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Typhoons form in the western Pacific Ocean, including the seas around Asia.Essentially, the same storm would be called a hurricane if it formed in the Atlantic and a typhoon if it formed in the Pacific. They are known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia.
All tropical storms are characterised by low pressure centres and a warm core in which the minimum sustained surface wind is 119 kmph (74 mph).
They cause strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and high winds.
In photos: Inactive cranes and containers stand idle as Dinh Vu port in Vietnam shut
Friday 6 September 2024 10:20 , Stuti Mishra
Yagi to lash east and west coasts of Thailand
Friday 6 September 2024 11:00 , Stuti Mishra
Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and windstorms this weekend as Yagi approaches the country.
The storm, which is nearing the southeastern Chinese coast, is expected to pass over the Hainan Island in China and reach northern Vietnam by Friday or Saturday, bringing significant weather impacts.
Thanasit Iam-ananchai, acting director general of the Meteorological Department, said northern and northeastern Thailand will see heavy downpours and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday as a result of Yagi’s outer bands.
Coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will also experience monsoon-driven rains today, with warnings of potential flash floods and runoffs.
Small boats were advised to remain ashore along both coasts until Sunday due to rough seas.
While Yagi’s main impact is centred on southern China, it is also expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, bringing significant rainfall to the region over the weekend.
Why super typhoons like Yagi are becoming more common
Friday 6 September 2024 11:20 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms of 2024, is part of a growing trend of increasingly intense typhoons and hurricanes in recent years.
Yagi was a "violent storm" this morning, according to Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) classification, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. Storms of this magnitude are rare for Hainan, where only nine out of 106 typhoons between 1949 and 2023 were classified as super typhoons.
But these storms are more common now both in the Atlantic and Pacific, a phenomenon closely linked to the effects of the climate crisis, scientists say.
Warmer ocean temperatures are providing the fuel that intensifies these storms, increasing their wind speeds and the amount of rain they produce.
Scientists warn that as the planet continues to warm, typhoons and hurricanes will become more frequent and destructive.
In 2024 alone we’ve seen several powerful storms, including Super Typhoon Yagi, which devastated the Philippines and is now heading towards China, and Hurricane Beryl that tore through the Caribbean, Mexico and the US.
Similarly, Typhoon Shanshan, which hit Japan last week, was the country’s most powerful storm in decades.
These supercharged storms pose significant threats to coastal regions, as they bring not only strong winds but also the risk of extreme flooding and landslides.
Rising sea levels exacerbate this risk, making coastal areas even more vulnerable to storm surges.
Yagi to make second landfall in Guangdong
Friday 6 September 2024 11:40 , Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall in Hainan this afternoon, will make another landfall in Xuwen County in neighbouring Guangdong province, China’s national meteorological authorities said.
Yagi was the strongest autumn typhoon to have landed in China. It made landfall in Hainan province’s Wenchang city at around 4.20pm (8.20am GMT).
It is expected to sweep toward other parts of the island before moving to the Beibu Gulf, it said.
Hong Kong downgrades warning after Typhoon Yagi halts stock market trade
Friday 6 September 2024 12:00 , Stuti Mishra
The Hong Kong Observatory today downgraded its warning signal for Typhoon Yagi from No 8, the third highest alert, to No 3, a level down, as the storm moved away from its 400km radius.
Heavy rains and wind lashed the financial capital for hours starting yesterday evening.
With the warning in force, schools and business activities shut down, roads were emptied as people were asked to stay home, and trading was halted on its $4.9trillion stock market.
However this will likely be the last time a typhoon automatically halts trading in Hong Kong, as the financial hub is ending its decades-long practice of shutting markets during severe storms from 23 September, according to Bloomberg.
In photos: Hong Kong's skyline covered in dark clouds
Friday 6 September 2024 12:20 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi to hit Vietnam's northern coast tomorrow, agency says
Friday 6 September 2024 12:45 , Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to make landfall in Vietnam tomorrow, according to the country's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The storm is currently located about 230 km southeast of Quang Ninh, a coastal province in northern Vietnam, as it hovers over China's Hainan province.
The storm is the third to enter the East Sea this year and is packing winds of 184-201 kmph near its centre, with even stronger gusts, the agency said in its forecast.
Yagi is moving west at around 20 kmh and is forecast to enter the Gulf of Tonkin by early Saturday.
By morning, Yagi is expected to be about 160 km from Quang Ninh, with winds ranging from 133-166 kmph.
The storm will weaken as it approaches the coast later in the day, with wind speeds dropping significantly as it reaches the mainland.
Several airports in northern Vietnam will close temporarily on Saturday due to the storm.
Flights resume as Typhoon Yagi causes little damage in Hong Kong
Friday 6 September 2024 13:15 , Stuti Mishra
Flights and businesses resumed in Hong Kong as Super Typhoon Yagi moved away, causing minimal damage in the city.
The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its typhoon warning to T3 at 12.40pm (4.40am GMT), allowing daily life to return to normal after the storm’s passage.
The city’s stock exchange and schools were closed as a precaution, but the airport authority said that operations had mostly returned to normal after 50 flights were cancelled the previous day, according to the Hong Kong Free Press.
A total of 918 flights were rescheduled during the typhoon, but by this morning the Hong Kong international airport was running smoothly.
The world's longest sea bridge, connecting Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai, also reopened in the afternoon after being shut during the storm.
While winds weakened, intense rain bands from Yagi continued to bring squally showers to the region. At least five people were hospitalised with injuries during the typhoon period, and authorities reported 79 fallen trees across the city.
Temporary shelters set up by the Home Affairs Department provided refuge to 269 people, while beaches remained closed as a safety measure.
By afternoon, public transportation, including MTR, ferries, and buses, had fully resumed, with the MTR increasing service frequency to meet demand as people returned to work.
In photos: Rainfall from Typhoon Yagi continues as people wade through flooded streets in Philippines
Friday 6 September 2024 13:45 , Stuti Mishra
Which countries are affected by Typhoon Yagi?
Friday 6 September 2024 14:15 , Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Yagi has impacted several countries in East and Southeast Asia, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption as it moves through the region. Here’s a breakdown of the countries affected by Yagi:
China: Typhoon Yagi has made landfall on Hainan Island and will make another landfall in the southern coast of Guangdong Province, bringing powerful winds and torrential rains.
Cities like Hong Kong and Macau also experienced storm signals, business closures, and flight cancellations as the typhoon passed by, though it left minimal damage in Hong Kong. The storm also disrupted transportation and forced the closure of major infrastructure, like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge.
Vietnam: Next in Yagi's path is Vietnam, where the northern regions, particularly along the Gulf of Tonkin, are expected to experience heavy rains and strong winds. Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province and coastal areas may face flooding and storm surges.
Laos and Thailand: As Yagi moves inland, it will weaken but still bring significant rainfall to Northern Laos and Northern Thailand, raising concerns about flash floods and landslides in these areas. While Thailand may not be in Yagi's direct path, the storm’s outer bands affect the country.
Hurricane vs typhoon: What is the difference?
Friday 6 September 2024 14:45 , Stuti Mishra
Hurricanes and typhoons are essentially the same weather phenomenon, but they are distinguished by their geographic location.Hurricanes are tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Typhoons form in the western Pacific Ocean, including the seas around Asia.Essentially, the same storm would be called a hurricane if it formed in the Atlantic and a typhoon if it formed in the Pacific. They are known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia.
All tropical storms are characterised by low pressure centres and a warm core in which the minimum sustained surface wind is 119 kmph (74 mph).
They cause strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and high winds.
Here’s a quick guide to all atmospheric terms:
What a super typhoon is as Category 5 storm barrels towards Philippines
Vietnam's Noi Bai airport to delay opening on Saturday due to typhoon Yagi
Friday 6 September 2024 15:32 , Tom Watling
Vietnam’s civil aviation authority said Hanoi’s international airport would open two hours later than planned on Saturday due to the impact of Typhoon Yagi, which is expected to make landfall in Vietnam late on Friday.
Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport will be shut from 1000 to 2100 (0300 to 1400 GMT), it said in a statement, adding typhoon Yagi had caused damage when moving through China’s Hainan Island and was gaining in intensity.
Yagi registers as 2nd most powerful cyclone in 2024
Friday 6 September 2024 16:01 , Tom Watling
Packing maximum sustained winds of 245 km per hour (152 mph) near its eye, Yagi registers as the world’s second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl.
Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi lashes China and takes aim at Vietnam next
Friday 6 September 2024 16:43 , Tom Watling
Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi lashes China and takes aim at Vietnam next
Yagi hits second part of China
Friday 6 September 2024 17:21 , Tom Watling
Super typhoon Yagi has made a second landfall in China’s southeast province of Guangdong, the country’s meteorological centre has reported.
