Hong Kong’s weather observatory hoisted Standby Signal No. 1 at 12:20 p.m. Monday as Super Typhoon Ragasa churned toward southern China, with forecasters warning of a potential upgrade to a higher alert later in the evening amid threats of hurricane-force winds and massive storm surges.
The powerful storm, packing maximum sustained winds of about 230 kilometers per hour (143 mph) near its center, is expected to pose a “considerable threat” to the coast of Guangdong province, the observatory said in a statement. As of 8 a.m. Monday, Ragasa was barreling across the Luzon Strait at around 22 kph (14 mph), covering an extensive area with its relatively high speed of movement.
In the Philippines, the weather service anticipated landfall on the sparsely populated Batanes or Babuyan islands by early afternoon, setting the stage for intensifying impacts across the region.
“As Ragasa gradually edges closer, local winds will strengthen gradually on Tuesday, and weather will deteriorate rapidly later,” the observatory noted. It plans to consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 — known as T3 — between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday.
By Wednesday, gale- to storm-force winds ranging from 63 to 117 kph (39 to 73 mph) are forecast to prevail locally, with the potential for hurricane-force gusts of at least 118 kph (73 mph) offshore and on high ground. The storm is also expected to unleash heavy squally showers, thunderstorms and a significant storm surge, potentially elevating sea levels to heights reminiscent of the devastating Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 and Typhoon Hato in 2017.
Hong Kong’s government said it would announce school arrangements for Tuesday later Monday, as residents braced for disruptions from the approaching tempest.
Ragasa’s rapid approach underscores the vulnerability of southern China’s densely populated coastlines, where past super typhoons have caused widespread flooding, evacuations and economic losses in the billions. Authorities urged vigilance as the storm’s path could still shift, but preparations were underway to mitigate its fury.
