China is bracing itself for the arrival of super-typhoon Yagi, expected to be the strongest storm in nearly a decade, as emergency alerts were raised, schools were shut and flights cancelled.
Yagi, which has doubled in strength after hitting the Philippines earlier this week, now packs sustained winds of 209 kmph (130 mph) near its eye, making it the second-most powerful cyclone this year anywhere in the world after Hurricane Beryl.
On Thursday morning its epicentre was 610km southeast of Zhanjiang City in Guangdong province. Moving westward at 10-15 kmph, it is churning towards China’s southern provinces. It will have the biggest impact on Guangdong and Hainan, with landfall expected between Qionghai and Dianbai on Friday.
Authorities in China, Hong Kong, and Macau have shut schools, suspended flights, and raised typhoon alerts as the storm nears. Hong Kong’s stock exchange may close if its No 8 signal – the third in a five-tier system – remains in place on Friday.
Super-typhoons rarely make landfall in Hainan, with only nine out of 106 from 1949 to 2023 classified as such.
Key Points
- Yagi intensifies into super-typhoon
- Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and arrival time
- China shuts schools and cancels flights ahead of Super Typhoon Yagi arrival
- Dozens of flights cancelled in Hong Kong amid Super Typhoon Yagi
- Which countries will be affected by Super Typhoon Yagi?
Yagi intensifies slightly
20:00
Jane Dalton
Gale-force winds are hitting Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary, with occasional storm winds offshore and on high ground, the Hong Kong Observatory said.
Yagi, which is skirting the southwest of the territory, has intensified slightly.
Intense rainbands associated with Yagi will continue to bring heavy squally showers, the observatory said, adding: “Members of the public should remain on the alert.”
Typhoon equivalent to category 4 hurricane
19:15
Jane Dalton
The typhoon has wind speeds equivalent to a category 4 hurricane, according to the US Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center, with maximum sustained winds of about 150 mph.
The storm is forecast to hit Guangdong and Hainan provinces after moving west over the South China Sea on Friday evening.
Surfers flout beach closure order
18:45
Jane Dalton
Police in Hong Kong searched a popular beach for a group of surfers who flouted a closure order, just an hour before the city issued a severe No 8 warning over Super-Typhoon Yagi on Thursday, the South China Morning Post reported.
Philippines clearing up
18:15
Jane Dalton
Householders in the Philippines are still clearing up after the super-typhoon struck on Wednesday, killing 14 people.
Typhoon ‘strongest yet’ in South China Sea area
17:45
Jane Dalton
Yagi is the strongest typhoon on record in that part of the South China Sea, one meteorologist says.
The eye of Typhoon Yagi is now within radar range of the southern coast of China
— James Cosgrove (@MrJamesCosgrove) September 5, 2024
With 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 195 km/hr, Yagi is the strongest typhoon on record in this part of the South China Sea.#台風11号 | #Yagi | #台风摩羯 pic.twitter.com/wnFiCthUjC
Selfie time in Hong Kong
17:15
Jane Dalton
Yagi second only to devastating Beryl
16:45
Jane Dalton
Yagi registers as the world’s second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl.
In early July, Beryl tore through the southeastern Caribbean, killing seven people and leaving two islands of Grenada in almost “complete destruction”.
Storm chasers ignore warnings
16:15
Jane Dalton
Storm chasers have ignored warnings to stay safe and have been seen travelling to areas to view the typhoon, according to the South China Morning Post.
Some were seen at spots such as Heng Fa Chuen and the East Coast Park Precinct, it reported.
In may the government pledged to step up enforcement and prosecution against such “dangerous behaviour”, which could put rescuers in danger.
People who enter public beaches or country parks that are closed during a typhoon face a HK$2,000 fine or 14 days in jail.
Yagi may be strongest in nearly a decade
15:45
Jane Dalton
Super-Typhoon Yagi could turn out to be the strongest storm to hit the country in nearly a decade. Here’s how it developed:
Vietnam predicted to be hit on Saturday
15:15
Jane Dalton
After causing havoc on China’s Leizhou Peninsula, Typhoon Yagi is forecast to hit northern Vietnam on Saturday, according to hurricane tracker Zoom Earth.
After pummeling China’s Leizhou Peninsula, Typhoon #Yagi is forecast to pass straight into the Gulf of Tonkin and strike northern Vietnam on Saturday pic.twitter.com/LnzMa7diQF
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 5, 2024
Check emergency kits, embassy in Vietnam suggests
14:50
Jane Dalton
The US embassy in Vietnam has advised people to check emergency kits to ensure they have medicines and other supplies in case they have to flee their homes in an emergency.
It also advises residents to reinforce roofs and secure loose objects.
“An urgent directive issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, states that Yagi is highly likely to affect the sea and mainland of the northern and north-central regions. Coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ninh are advised to prepare for the storm,” it says.
Fishing trips, rail services and flights cancelled
14:20
Jane Dalton
China’s official news agency, Xinhua, said tens of thousands of fishing boats returned to ports in Hainan and elsewhere to seek shelter, along with nearly 70,000 fishermen.
State broadcaster CCTV said some railway services were suspended, starting Thursday evening.
Hainan Meteorological Service forecast that the typhoon would make landfall tomorrow along the region from Qionghai in Hainan to Dianbai in neighboring Guangdong province.
Meteorological authorities said it could be the strongest typhoon to hit Hainan in the past 10 years, Xinhua reported. The tropical island is a popular tourist destination known for its holiday resorts and duty-free shopping allowance.
In Guangdong, all coastal tourist attractions and beaches were ordered to close from Wednesday evening, with dozens of flights cancelled at the airport in Zhuhai city, state media China Daily reported.
What does 'Yagi' mean?
14:00
Stuti Mishra
Yagi is the Japanese word for goat and for the constellation of Capricornus, a mythical creature that is half goat, half fish.
Tropical storms in the Western Pacific are named by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Tokyo. They use a pre-determined list of names contributed by countries in the region, such as Japan, China, and the Philippines. Each list cycles every four years.
Video: Flooded streets in Philippines after Typhoon Yagi
13:30
Stuti Mishra
How typhoons like Yagi are getting stronger and more dangerous
13:10
Stuti Mishra
Typhoons have been growing more intense in recent years, a phenomenon closely linked to the effects of the climate crisis.
Warmer ocean temperatures are providing the fuel that intensifies these storms, increasing their wind speeds and the amount of rain they produce.
Scientists warn that as the planet continues to warm, typhoons and hurricanes will become more frequent and destructive.In 2024 alone, we’ve seen several powerful storms, including Super Typhoon Yagi, which devastated the Philippines and is now heading towards China, and Hurricane Beryl that tore through the Caribbean, Mexico and the US.
Yagi’s winds have exceeded 200kmph, placing it among the strongest storms on record. Similarly, Typhoon Shanshan, which hit Japan last week, was the country’s most powerful storm in decades.
These supercharged storms pose significant threats to coastal regions, as they bring not only strong winds but also the risk of extreme flooding and landslides.
Rising sea levels exacerbate this risk, making coastal areas even more vulnerable to storm surges.
Read how tropical storms are intensifying:
In photos: Rescue operations in Philippines after landslides
12:50
Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong Stock Exchange to close on Friday amid Typhoon Yagi disruptions
12:30
Stuti Mishra
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) will be closed on Friday morning due to Typhoon Yagi and could remain shuttered for the whole day.
The storm has prompted a No 8 alert from the Hong Kong Observatory, the third level in a five-tier warning system.Issued at 6.20pm local time, this alert indicates gale or storm-force winds near sea level and is expected to remain in effect at least until noon on Friday.
Under the current rules of the HKEX, a Typhoon Signal No 8 leads to the cancellation of the morning trading session.The status of the afternoon session will depend on whether the alert is lowered by noon.
If the signal is still in place, trading for the day will be entirely suspended.In addition to financial market impacts, Typhoon Yagi has also led to dozens of flight cancellations in Hong Kong and Hainan.
Super Typhoon Yagi to lash east and west coasts of Thailand
12:10
Stuti Mishra
Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and windstorms this weekend as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches.
The storm, moving slowly westward from the South China Sea, is expected to pass over Hainan Island in China and reach northern Vietnam by Friday or Saturday, bringing significant weather impacts.
Thanasit Iam-ananchai, acting director-general of the Meteorological Department, said northern and northeastern Thailand will see heavy downpours and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday as a result of Yagi’s outer bands.
Coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will also experience monsoon-driven rains on Thursday and Friday, with warnings of potential flash floods and runoffs.
Small boats are advised to remain ashore along both coasts until Sunday due to rough seas.
While Yagi’s main impact is centred on southern China, it is also expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, bringing significant rainfall to the region over the weekend.
Super Typhoon Yagi rainfall forecast: Up to 30 inches of rain expected
11:50
Stuti Mishra
The latest rainfall forecast from AccuWeather shows Yagi is expected to bring up to 16 inches (400 mm) of rain, with some areas possibly receiving as much as 30 inches (760 mm), across southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand between Friday and Sunday.
Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and forecast
11:30
Stuti Mishra
Storm Yagi has intensified into a super typhoon as it churns towards China, making it possibly the strongest storm to hit the country in nearly a decade.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 209kmph (130mph) near its eye, Yagi registers as the world's second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane Beryl.
Its epicentre was located around 400km southeast of Zhanjiang City in Guangdong province on Thursday evening, moving westward at 10-15kmph.
The storm will have the biggest impact on Guangdong and Hainan, with landfall expected between Qionghai and Dianbai on Friday but Vietnam, Laos and Thailand can also expect heavy rainfall.
Major cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou are bracing for possible flooding and disruptions.
Here's the path for Super Typhoon Yagi and forecast for next few days.
Hong Kong schools to stay closed on Friday as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches
11:10
Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong will halt all school classes tomorrow as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
The suspension affects all day schools, including kindergartens, primary, secondary, and special schools, the Education Bureau announced on Thursday.
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will issue its No 8 typhoon signal – the third level in a five-tiered system – at 6pm (local time) on Thursday, and it is set to remain in effect until at least noon on Friday.
Thursday evening classes have also been cancelled as a precaution.
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to pass 300km southwest of Hong Kong on Friday morning. The current No 3 warning has been in place since yesterday night.
Dozens of flights have also been cancelled.
Photos: People wade through knee-deep water in Philippines after flooding from Typhoon Yagi
10:50
Stuti Mishra
Urgent action ordered as Vietnam prepares for Super Typhoon Yagi
10:30
Stuti Mishra
Vietnam's prime minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a call for urgent action as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches, with the storm expected to impact northern the and central regions of the country.
The typhoon, which intensified on Thursday while churning towards China's Hainan province, is expected to bring dangerous winds and heavy rains to coastal and inland areas of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand over the next few days.
A directive was sent by the Vietnamese PM to leaders of provinces and cities, including major regions such as Hanoi, Haiphong, and Quang Ninh, urging them to prioritise storm preparedness and public safety, according to Vietnam Plus.
The storm is forecast to impact the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam on Friday as it makes landfall in China, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of floods and landslides.
Local authorities are instructed to postpone non-essential meetings, focus on securing vulnerable communities, and protect critical infrastructure like dykes, dams, and transportation networks, the news outlet reported.
Coastal areas and offshore vessels are also being secured, and all efforts are being made to prevent urban flooding and damage to agricultural production.
Deputy prime minister Tran Hong Ha has been tasked with overseeing response efforts, ensuring swift action to minimise the storm's impact on lives and property.
Photos: Waves thrash Chinese shore and dark clouds cover the sky ahead of Typhoon Yagi
10:15
Stuti Mishra
Macau under alert ahead of Super Typhoon Yagi
09:55
Stuti Mishra
Macau has raised its alert level as Super Typhoon Yagi, currently in the northern South China Sea, moves west-northwest toward the region between Guangdong and Hainan Island.
Yagi is expected to pass within 300 kilometres south of Macau tomorrow bringing strengthening winds and frequent thunderstorms.
Due to the storm's extensive circulation, the Tropical Cyclone Signal No 8 may be issued on tonight, a government statement said.
Hong Kong is also expected to raise No 8 alert this evening.
In addition to the typhoon warning, low-lying areas in Macau's inner harbour could experience minor flooding of up to 0.5 meters, it said, raising the possibility of a Blue or Yellow Storm Surge Warning, depending on Yagi's exact path and intensity.
Dozens of flights cancelled in Hong Kong amid Super Typhoon Yagi
09:30
Stuti Mishra
Thirty-eight flights were cancelled in Hong Kong today as the city prepared for Super Typhoon Yagi. The Airport Authority announced that transport arrangements will be made for affected passengers.
Chapman Fong Shui-man, deputy director for airport operations, said that all cancelled flights will be rescheduled on Friday, according to SCMP.
The most impacted airlines were Cathay Pacific Airways, budget carrier HK Express, Greater Bay Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines.
Some bus services to the airport will also be suspended, with MTR trains adjusting services to fill the gaps left by the buses, Mr Fong said.
Hong Kong is set to issue its third-highest typhoon signal, No 8, at 6.40pm local time, which will shut many businesses and reduce transport in the region.
The city's weather observatory warns of intense rain bands affecting the territory, with heavy showers expected to continue today and tomorrow.
Photo: Funerals held for victims of landslide triggered by Storm Yagi
09:00
Stuti Mishra
Rainfall from Typhoon Yagi could exceed 30 inches as storm strengthens, forecaster warns
08:43
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Yagi, known as Enteng in the Philippines, is expected to intensify further as it tracks westward across the northern South China Sea in the coming days, according to warnings from AccuWeather meteorologists.
The storm, which is already generating substantial rainfall, is forecasted to bring between 16 and 30 inches (400 to 760 mm) of rain to regions including southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand from Friday through Sunday. Such heavy rainfall could lead to severe flooding, mudslides, and significant transportation disruptions.
Wind speeds associated with Yagi are also projected to be extreme. Gusts could reach up to 160 mph (260 kmph), with AccuWeather forecast showing it potentially peaking at 180 mph (290 kmph). These powerful winds pose risks of substantial structural damage, widespread power outages, and major logistical delays. The most intense winds are expected near the storm's landfall, potentially impacting the Leizhou Peninsula or Hainan Island.
Photos: Residents in Philippines clean flooded homes after Tropical Storm Yagi
08:10
Stuti Mishra
Which countries will be affected by Super Typhoon Yagi?
07:30
Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to bring heavy wind gusts and rainfall to several countries in Southeast Asia. Starting with China’s southeastern coast, particularly Guangdong and Hainan Island, Yagi will also affect northern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand as it moves westward.
In China, Yagi’s landfall on Hainan will bring dangerous winds and torrential rain, with the strongest impact from Friday through Sunday. Major cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou are bracing for possible flooding and disruptions.
As the storm moves inland, northern Vietnam will experience heavy rains and strong winds, with the risk of flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.
Northern Laos and Thailand are also expected to face similar conditions, with intense rainfall potentially causing flash floods and landslides. Although the storm will weaken by the time it reaches these areas.
How Hong Kong's typhoon alert system works
07:10
Stuti Mishra
As Super Typhoon Yagi approaches Hong Kong, the city is set to raise the No 8 typhoon signal, prompting widespread closures and disruptions.
The Hong Kong Observatory uses a numbered typhoon warning system to alert residents to the severity of approaching storms and guide them in taking appropriate action. Here’s how the system works:
No 1 Signal: The first level, No 1, is issued when a tropical cyclone is within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong. At this stage, the storm does not pose an immediate threat, but the signal serves as an early alert for the public to stay informed and monitor updates on the storm’s development.
No 3 Signal: As the storm draws closer and winds intensify to between 41 and 62 kmph, the No 3 signal is raised. This warning typically results in the closure of kindergartens and special schools, as seen earlier when Typhoon Yagi approached. Residents in exposed or vulnerable areas are advised to secure loose objects and take precautions against potential wind damage.
No 8 Signal: When winds reach 63 to 117 kmph, the No 8 signal is issued, as will be the case with Super Typhoon Yagi at 6.20pm local time (10.20am GMT) on Thursday. This is a critical alert, leading to the closure of businesses and a halt to most public transport services. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
No 9 and No 10 Signals: For the most severe conditions, No 9 and No 10 signals are issued, indicating winds above 118 kmph. These warnings signal extreme danger, advising residents to stay away from windows, avoid coastal areas, and remain indoors until the storm passes.
As Yagi is expected to pass 300 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, the observatory has warned of deteriorating weather and stronger winds, with further alerts possible if the storm intensifies. Residents were asked to prepare for the impact expected from Thursday night through Friday morning.
Super Typhoon Yagi is strongest tropical cyclone of 2024 so far
06:58
Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi, also known as Enteng in the Philippines, is the strongest tropical cyclone of 2024 worldwide, Matthew Cuyugan, a disaster management office in the Philippines, wrote on X.
It achieved this status with a minimum central pressure of 915 millibars and winds likely exceeding 160 mph, making it a Category 5 equivalent typhoon by various classifications, including the Japan Meteorological Agency’s (JMA) highest storm classification as a “violent typhoon.”
BREAKING: #Yagi (formerly #EntengPH) becomes the strongest tropical cyclone WORLDWIDE this 2024.
— Matthew Cuyugan (@mscuyugan) September 5, 2024
It is now a VIOLENT typhoon by Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) - the highest storm classification by the RSMC Tokyo in the Western Pacific (WPAC) basin, and becoming the first… pic.twitter.com/MV16vU6k0p
Photos: Rescue operations in Philippines following landslide triggered by Storm Yagi
06:30
Stuti Mishra
Photo: Boats moored along Chinese coast to take shelter from Super Typhoon Yagi
06:11
Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong also braces for Super Typhoon Yagi, third highest warning to be issued
05:52
Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong is bracing for Super Typhoon Yagi as authorities prepare to issue a No 8 typhoon signal, the third-highest alert level.
The signal will be issued at 6.20pm local time (10.20am GMT) on Thursday, SCMP reports.
The storm, strengthening as it approaches, is expected to pass 300km (186 miles) southwest of Hong Kong between Thursday night and Friday morning.
“Yagi is a mature storm. Under the influence of its outer circulation, local winds generally strengthened this morning with occasional gale winds on high ground,” the Hong Kong Observatory, the city's weather authority, said.
Kindergartens and special schools were closed as a No 3 signal remained in effect earlier in the day. As the typhoon nears, winds will further strengthen, and conditions in the city will worsen, especially near the Pearl River Estuary.
Hong Kong uses a five level numbered typhoon warning system that helps residents and businesses prepare for approaching storms.
Currently a No 3 middle level signal is in place under which people are asked to take precautions, especially those living in exposed areas. This signal often leads to school closures for kindergartens and special schools.
The next signal, No 8, is issued when gale or storm-force winds (63-117 kmph) are imminent, prompting business closures and limited transport services. This signal has the most significant impact on daily life, as it indicates severe disruption.
China shuts schools and cancels flights ahead of Super Typhoon Yagi arrival
05:15
Stuti Mishra
China’s Hainan has suspended trains and boats ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Yagi, while schools across southern China, including Hong Kong and Macau, were also closed.
All flights in and out of Hainan’s Haikou airport would be cancelled from 8pm Thursday until midnight Friday, authorities said, with beaches and coastal tourist sites shut down as well.
Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and arrival time
04:58
Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Yagi is currently moving across the northern South China Sea, heading toward China’s Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island. It is expected to make landfall between Qionghai, Hainan, and Dianbai, Guangdong, on Friday.
Yagi intensifies into super typhoon
04:41
Stuti Mishra
Yagi strengthened into a super typhoon on Wednesday night as it barrels towards China, in what is expected to be the strongest storm in nearly a decade to make landfall in the country.
Yagi was located 610km (379 miles) south-east of Xuwen County, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China's Meteorological office said on Thursday.
The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 210kmph near its centre and moving westward at a speed of 10-15kmph (6-9 mph) bringing torrential rains to the southern coastal areas of Guangdong and Hainan island.
It is due to make landfall along the coast from Qionghai, Hainan to Dianbai, Guangdong from the afternoon to the night of Friday.
04:20
Stuti Mishra
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Super Typhoon Yagi as the storm churns towards China. Stay tuned for the latest!