The country warned of heavy rain and severe flood risks as the third tropical cyclone this month tracked closer to the country’s southern coast, where it is expected to intensify over the weekend.
As of yesterday morning, Noul was northeast of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, moving west-northwest at around 25kph to 30kph.
The tropical storm is forecast to move within 800km of Hong Kong later in the day, according to the city’s observatory.
Local winds are expected to strengthen gradually across southern coastal areas, with squally showers intensifying through today.
Mainland Chinese weather authorities project Noul will make landfall along the southern coast between Zhuhai in Guangdong province and Zhangpu in Fujian province between tonight and early tomorrow before moving inland and gradually weakening.
Cumulative rainfall across eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian could reach 500mm to 600mm in localised areas, meteorologists said.
Guangdong and Fujian are among China’s wettest provinces, each averaging roughly 2,000mm of rain every year.
Noul arrives after torrential downpours battered large parts of the country.
In southwestern China, rescue teams are still searching for more than 50 people who went missing following a deadly landslide in Chongqing municipality.
China is entering its peak flood control window – known as Qixia Bashang – from mid-July to mid-August.
Weather experts warn extreme rainfall will increase in frequency and intensity over the coming weeks. — Reuters
