This year’s 6th typhoon, Weipa, was upgraded from a tropical storm to a severe tropical storm at 5:00 AM on July 19. Its center is located at latitude 19.9°N, longitude 120.2°E, approximately 880 kilometers southeast of Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, over the northeastern South China Sea. The maximum wind speed near the center has reached Level 10 (25 m/s).
Given that Typhoon Weipa is expected to further intensify and potentially make landfall in Guangdong Province as a typhoon, bringing severe winds, rain, and waves, the Guangdong Provincial Flood, Drought, and Typhoon Control Headquarters has decided to elevate the typhoon emergency response from Level IV to Level II starting 11:00 AM on July 19, in accordance with the Emergency Plan for Flood, Drought, Typhoon, and Frost Control in Guangdong Province and relevant regulations.
It is expected that Weipa will move northwestward at 15–20 km/h, gradually strengthening to reach typhoon or severe typhoon intensity (Level 13–14, 38–42 m/s). It will then approach the coastal area between Shenzhen, Guangdong and Wenchang, Hainan, and make landfall on the afternoon or night of July 20 with winds at Level 12–14 (33–42 m/s).
The Hainan Meteorological Department has issued the following reminders:
Fishing platforms and vessels in the northern and central South China Sea and surrounding waters of Hainan Island should take shelter immediately.
Relevant authorities should strengthen port management and vessel safety.
From July 20 to the daytime of July 22, Qiongzhou Strait may experience long-term suspension of ferry operations. Authorities are preparing for adjustments in navigation schedules, food transport, and traffic control. With extreme rainfall expected in northern and western Hainan Island, serious urban flooding may occur in Haikou, requiring enhanced urban drainage and traffic management. Residents in affected areas are urged to prepare for disaster prevention.
As for rail transport, the Hainan Railway Bureau has announced the following adjustments:
July 20:
Inbound train Z385 and outbound trains Z386, K458, Z112, Z8008/5, K512, Z502 will be canceled.
July 21:
All inbound and outbound trains to/from Hainan will be suspended.
July 22:
Inbound trains K457, K511, Z8006/7, Z501, Z111 will be canceled.
Passengers holding tickets for canceled trains can obtain a full refund without any fee within 30 days from the scheduled departure date, through the 12306 website, mobile app, or station service counters. Drivers and travelers with transportation needs should plan ahead, book tickets early, and cross the strait as soon as possible.
