Year’s Strongest Typhoon Nears, Schools Set to Close

Source: OT-Team(G), 人民网; 中央气象台

On the morning of September 21, Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of the year, intensified into a super typhoon.

According to the Central Meteorological Observatory, Ragasa is expected to enter the northeastern part of the South China Sea in the early hours of September 23 and make landfall along the coast between Shanwei in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan from early morning to afternoon on September 24. It is forecast to be a severe or super typhoon (Category 14–16) at landfall, potentially becoming the strongest typhoon to affect China this year.

Starting September 21, strong winds are expected in the northern part of the South China Sea and the Bashi Channel. From September 23, heavy to torrential rain will hit Guangdong, Guangxi, and other areas, with extreme rainfall in some localities.

At 18:00 on September 21, the Central Meteorological Observatory issued a blue typhoon warning.

Wind Forecast:

From September 21 to 26, the Bashi Channel, northern South China Sea, Beibu Gulf, Qiongzhou Strait, and coastal areas of South China will experience winds of Force 9–11, with winds reaching Force 12–17 near the typhoon's center, and gusts exceeding Force 17.

Rainfall Forecast:

From September 23 to 25, heavy to torrential rain is expected in South China and southern Jiangnan. Eastern Taiwan, eastern and southern Guangdong, southern Guangxi, and southeastern Fujian will see heavy rainfall, with extreme rainfall (250–280 mm) in some areas.

Additionally, due to moisture transport associated with the typhoon, Jiangsu and eastern Anhui will also experience heavy to torrential rain from September 23 to 25, with localized extreme rainfall.

Meteorological experts warn that Ragasa will enter the South China Sea as a super typhoon, moving rapidly with high intensity. Its peak strength is expected to be similar to that of Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon of 2024. The public is urged to stay alert and make necessary preparations in advance.

Will Classes Be Suspended?

Typhoon Ragasa is expected to severely affect Guangdong from September 23 to 25. Many residents in Guangzhou are concerned about whether classes will be suspended.

According to the meteorological department, based on the current forecasted path of the typhoon, yellow typhoon warning signals are expected to be issued across various districts of Guangzhou starting on the night of September 22. By daytime on September 23, orange typhoon warning signals will be issued in central and southern districts.

In accordance with the Guangzhou Public Guidance on Responding to Major Meteorological Disasters and the Guangzhou Education System Guidance on Responding to Typhoon and Rainstorm Weather, classes must be suspended when a yellow or higher-level typhoon warning signal is issued in the respective area.

Typhoon Neoguri

Typhoon Neoguri is expected to have no impact on China's coastal waters.

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