Typhoon Wipha Impacts Hong Kong and Guangdong: Heavy Rains and Disruptions

On July 20, 2025, Typhoon Wipha unleashed heavy rains in Hong Kong, leading to significant disruptions as the storm made its way toward the coast of Guangdong province in China. The Hong Kong Observatory reported over 110 mm (4 inches) of rain within a mere three hours, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 167 kph (103 mph). As the typhoon skirted southward, it prompted local authorities to issue a series of warnings, which were later downgraded as the storm's intensity diminished.

The Hong Kong government had initially raised the typhoon warning to a maximum signal level of 10, which remained in effect for nearly seven hours before being lowered to level 8 and subsequently to level 3 by 7:45 p.m. According to Kenny Yuen, an Eastern District councilor, the impact of Wipha was significantly less severe than that of previous typhoons, such as Mangkhut and Hato, which caused extensive destruction across the territory. Yuen noted that the main effects this time included fallen trees and collapsed scaffolding, particularly in areas like North Point, where construction materials were swept onto roadways.

Emergency services reported that 26 individuals sought treatment at public hospitals during the storm, with 253 people seeking refuge in temporary shelters, and a total of 471 fallen trees recorded. The airport authority in Hong Kong stated that approximately 80,000 travelers were affected by the cancellation and rescheduling of around 400 flights, primarily operated by Cathay Pacific Airways. The airline canceled all flights at Hong Kong International Airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on that day and waived ticket-change fees to accommodate passengers.

As Wipha continued its westward path, it made landfall on the coast of Taishan city in Guangdong at approximately 5:50 p.m. and subsequently weakened into a severe tropical storm, as reported by China’s state-run CCTV. Meanwhile, neighboring Macau, known as the world’s largest gambling hub, also downgraded its typhoon signal, advising residents to prepare for potential flooding in low-lying areas.

The storm's impact on public transport was significant, with most services suspended, including ferries, amid high sea swells. As the storm moved away from Hong Kong, residents began assessing the damage and returning to daily routines. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather conditions in the region, particularly as climate change intensifies tropical storms and typhoons in East Asia.

Experts emphasize the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in urban areas prone to such weather events. "Mitigating the impacts of these storms requires not only immediate response but also long-term planning and investment in resilient infrastructure," stated Dr. Emily Chen, a climate scientist at the University of Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing weather patterns.

As the region recovers from Typhoon Wipha, it faces the continuing threat of severe weather events, necessitating vigilance and preparedness from both government officials and residents alike.