Beijing: Southern China is making extensive preparations as Typhoon Noul moves closer to the country's coastline, forcing authorities to suspend public transport, evacuate thousands of residents and issue high level weather warnings. Officials have warned that the powerful storm could bring destructive winds, torrential rain and dangerous flooding when it reaches land between late Saturday and early Sunday.
China's National Meteorological Centre has maintained an orange typhoon warning, the second highest level in the country's four tier alert system. The storm is expected to make landfall along the coast of Guangdong Province, with forecasts placing the most likely impact area between Hong Kong and the eastern part of Guangdong. Meteorologists said the typhoon has continued to gain strength while moving across the northeastern South China Sea, carrying sustained winds of around 130 kilometres per hour and stronger gusts near its centre.
Authorities across southern China have taken wide ranging precautionary measures ahead of the storm. More than 20,000 people living in low lying coastal communities and other vulnerable areas have already been evacuated. Fishing boats have returned to port, offshore workers have been brought back to shore and emergency rescue teams have been deployed to regions expected to experience the worst weather.
Rail and ferry services have been suspended in several areas of Guangdong as officials try to reduce the risk to passengers. High speed railway operations have also been affected, with many services expected to remain cancelled through the weekend. Public transport in several coastal cities has either been reduced or completely suspended as weather conditions continue to deteriorate.
Air travel is also facing significant disruption. Airlines have cancelled or rescheduled flights serving airports in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen as strong winds approach the region. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of numerous flights scheduled for Sunday, while passengers have been advised to check the latest travel information before leaving for airports.
The Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, one of the world's longest sea crossing bridges, has also been temporarily closed because of dangerous weather conditions. Authorities said the closure was necessary to ensure public safety as the storm approaches.
The Hong Kong Observatory has raised tropical cyclone warning signals and warned residents to prepare for gale force winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain. Officials have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose outdoor objects and stay away from coastal areas where large waves and storm surges are expected.
Chinese emergency management authorities have activated flood and typhoon response measures in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Rescue helicopters, tugboats, emergency vehicles and disaster response teams have been placed on standby to respond quickly if flooding, landslides or other emergencies occur after the storm makes landfall.
Forecasters warned that some parts of eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian could receive between 500 and 600 millimetres of rainfall over the coming days. Such heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides and river overflows, especially in mountainous areas where the ground is already saturated from previous storms.
The arrival of Typhoon Noul comes after weeks of severe weather across China. Earlier storms and heavy seasonal rains have already caused flooding, landslides and loss of life in several provinces. Because many rivers are already running high and the soil remains waterlogged, officials are concerned that even moderate rainfall could quickly lead to dangerous flooding.
Typhoon Noul is the twelfth named storm of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season and one of several tropical systems to threaten China this month. Weather experts said they will continue to monitor its movement closely as it approaches the coast, while local governments remain on high alert.
Residents in the affected regions have been urged to follow official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with evacuation orders where required. Authorities say emergency services remain fully prepared to respond as the storm moves inland and its full impact becomes clear over the coming days.