The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) has issued Typhoon Signal No. 8 as Super Typhoon Ragasa comes closer to Macau and the surrounding areas.
The signal will remain in force during nighttime, with high chances of raising it to Signal No. 9 between midnight and 2 am, as well as Signal No. 10 between 4 am and 6 am tomorrow (24 September), according to the weather bureau.
The bureau has also announced it will issue a red storm surge warning at 6 pm today, with a medium possibility of a black storm surge warning being issued in the early morning of tomorrow.
Based on the current forecast, as of 5 pm, Ragasa was estimated to be about 370km east-southeast of Macau and will continue to move in a west-northwest direction over the next two days at around 20km/h towards the western coast of the Pearl River Estuary, gradually approaching Macau.
Local winds are expected to begin strengthening significantly with showers and thunderstorms into the evening.
The super typhoon is forecast to approach the Pearl River Estuary closely from early morning to morning tomorrow, and the possibility of it skirting within 100km of Macau cannot be ruled out, according to SMG.
Winds may reach hurricane force of 12 or above for a sustained period, accompanied by persistent heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Ragasa, the most powerful storm in the world this year, has meanwhile led to 88 flights being cancelled today, with two delayed and six rescheduled flights, according to the SAR’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Moreover, the Macau International Airport’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in response to the issuance of Signal No. 8.
In addition, the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT) has requested the providers of fixed telephone, mobile telecommunications, fixed telecommunications, Internet access and paid terrestrial television services to enact proper counter measures in advance, cease unnecessary network engineering work, as well as ensure telecom network and service provision stability.
The SAR’s bus, light rapid transit (LRT) and limited special taxi services, as well as Macau’s three ferry terminals (Outer Harbour, Taipa and Inner Harbour Ferry Terminals) have all been suspended until further notice.
All four cross-sea bridges and the Lotus Bridge will be closed at 6:30 pm, and local authorities will open the lower deck of Sai Van Bridge at 6 pm. The Public Security Police (PSP) has advised all motorists to take note of this information, urging them to take shelter in a safe place as soon as possible and avoid outdoor activities.
Furthermore, a total of 27 public car parks in low-lying areas will be closed and vehicles will not be allowed in and out from 6:30 pm, with people banned from entering those car parks, according to the Transport Bureau (DSAT). Visit the bureau’s website for information regarding the relevant car parks.
As of 5:20 pm, the Civil Protection Operations Centre has recorded one incident report involving a case of “concrete, signboards, windows, canopies, or other objects fallen or swinging”.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has asked the public to temporarily store garbage at home during Signal No. 8 and above. The public should discard the garbage after Signal No. 8 is cancelled or downgraded. People should give priority to discarding perishable household garbage, the bureau has pointed out.
For updates on the typhoon and other weather-related information in Macau visit SMG’s website. – GNM
Image: Unsplash/@nasa
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