Super Typhoon Ragasa Threatens Southern China: Hong Kong and Macau Issue Typhoon Signals
Super Typhoon Ragasa is approaching the coast of Southern China, prompting authorities in Hong Kong and Macau to issue strong typhoon signals. The storm's intensity is raising concerns, with comparisons being drawn to previous severe typhoons like 2024's "Capricorn" and 2017's "Hato."
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, both Hong Kong and Macau raised their typhoon signal to level 8, the third-highest warning. Schools are closed in Hong Kong for two days, and hundreds of flights are expected to be canceled. Authorities in Macau are urging residents to stockpile three days' worth of food and water. In Guangdong province, Zhuhai has issued its highest-level red typhoon warning.
Ragasa's Projected Path and Impact
Meteorological agencies in mainland China and Hong Kong predict that Ragasa will have its most significant impact on the South China coast through Wednesday, September 24. Guangdong province is planning to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents. Taiwan is also experiencing the effects of Ragasa, with some southern and eastern regions issuing work and school suspensions.
Current forecasts indicate that Ragasa will likely make landfall along the coast from Shenzhen to Xuwen in Guangdong on Wednesday, before moving westward towards northern Vietnam.
Strength and Intensity
Although Ragasa slightly weakened after entering the South China Sea, the China Central Meteorological Observatory reported maximum sustained winds of 209 kilometers per hour (130 mph) near the storm's center as of Tuesday. This is equivalent to the highest level (17) on the extended Beaufort scale, aligning with the lower end of a Category 4 hurricane.
The Hong Kong Observatory predicts that coastal areas will experience rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and significantly increasing winds. Water levels along the coast could exceed chart datum (sea level) by up to 5 meters, potentially mirroring the impact of Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018).
A Taiwan-based atmospheric science expert described Ragasa as this year's "King of Storms". Another expert noted its expansive storm radius of 320 kilometers (almost 200 miles) characterizing it as a "monster-level" storm. There are warnings of strong gusts and heavy rainfall for regions as far north as Taipei.
Preparations and Precautions
China's Guangdong Provincial Headquarters for Flood, Drought, and Typhoon Control raised its emergency response to the highest level. Approximately 370,000 people have been relocated in Guangdong. Train services within the province have been suspended for Wednesday.
In Hong Kong, authorities have coordinated efforts to prepare for the storm, including securing potentially hazardous objects and preparing shelters. The Education Bureau has announced a two-day school closure. While the Hong Kong International Airport will remain open, many airlines, including Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, have canceled hundreds of flights.
Macau has entered a state of "immediate prevention." Ferry services to Hong Kong have been suspended, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has been closed. Casinos have also been closed.
Regional Impact and Evacuations
In the Philippines, at least 10,000 people were evacuated, and work and school were suspended in many areas, including Manila. While the Philippines has not reported significant casualties, areas of Luzon have experienced flooding.
Authorities are urging residents to prepare emergency supplies, including bottled water and non-perishable food. In Macau, legislation is in place to criminalize the spread of misinformation during emergencies.
| Region | Impact |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | School closures, flight cancellations, high typhoon signal |
| Macau | High typhoon signal, preparations for potential flooding, civil defense measures |
| Guangdong Province, China | Highest-level emergency response, evacuations, suspension of train services |
| Taiwan | Work and school suspensions in some areas, flight cancellations |
| Philippines | Evacuations, work and school suspensions in some areas |
As Super Typhoon Ragasa continues its path towards Southern China, residents are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.