Tropical storm Yagi developed into a super typhoon and barreled straight toward the holiday island province of Hainan on Thursday, forcing cities in southern China to close schools and cancel several flights.
Yagi produced floods and landslides on the major Philippine island of Luzon this week, killing at least 13 people, according to government estimates.
According to China’s Xinhua news agency, the tropical storm strengthened into a super typhoon as it moved west across the South China Sea, packing winds of up to 209 kilometers (130 miles) per hour when it approached Hainan.
“Hainan upgraded its emergency response to Yagi to the highest level at 11:30 am Thursday, according to the provincial disaster management authority,” a news agency reported.;
The storm is predicted to make landfall on Friday afternoon in either Hainan or nearby Guangdong.
Work, education, and municipal transportation services were suspended in Haikou, Hainan’s capital, beginning Thursday at noon (0400 GMT).
In Hong Kong, where Yagi is due to pass, the meteorological bureau said it will issue the city’s third-highest typhoon warning at 6:20 p.m. (1020 GMT), limiting public transportation throughout the financial hub.
Kindergarten and special education classes in Hong Kong were suspended Thursday, while budget carrier Hong Kong Express reported six flights had been rescheduled.
Greater Bay Airlines announced it will cancel four flights and reschedule two more due to the weather.
“Yagi will remain at super typhoon intensity and skirt around 300 kilometres (186 miles) to the southwest of Hong Kong tomorrow morning,” the observatory said.
“Gale winds associated with Yagi are expected to affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary tonight and tomorrow morning.”
After leaving southern China, Yagi will travel to Vietnam, where he will visit the northern and north-central provinces surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay.
On Thursday, Vietnam’s meteorological department issued a storm warning, prompting the government to mobilize around 2,700 military soldiers for response.
Coastal areas are contemplating a sailing prohibition for Friday, while mountainous districts in Vietnam have been asked to deploy rescue vehicles.
