Tropical Storm Wipha to unload heavy rain, gusty winds on China, Vietnam

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Tropical Storm Wipha, which formed in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, will bring the risk of flooding and locally damaging winds to the region in the coming days.

Further strengthening is not expected as the storm will begin to interactive with land during the next 24 hours; however, it is expected to remain a tropical storm during this time.

Locations from southeastern China into northern Vietnam and northern Laos will need to be on alert for potential flooding downpours and a heightened risk for mudslides. Locations from northern Hainan Island to the Leizhou Peninsula may take a direct hit from this storm on Thursday with a second landfall possible in Guangxi or northern Vietnam Thursday night or Friday.

Heavy rainfall will be the most widespread concern with Wipha as downpours can lead to flash flooding and mudslides. Total rainfall of 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) is expected across the region with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 380 mm (15 inches).

Rough seas will also be stirred and create dangers for boaters and swimmers across the South China Sea from the Philippines to China. The Gulf of Tonkin will also be at risk for the same hazards.

Damaging winds are possible in locations near and just north of the storm's track. This risk extends from northern Hainan Island to southwest Guangdong, the coast of Guangxi and coastal locations of northeastern Vietnam.

Sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) are possible with gusts of 80-95 km/h (50-60 mph) are possible in these areas with lower gusts farther from the track of the storm across southeastern China and northern Vietnam.

Hanoi is forecast to avoid Wipha's strongest winds but the city and surrounding areas will be at risk for flooding rainfall from Friday into Saturday with additional downpours possible on Sunday. Mudslides and travel delays will also be a concern across the region.

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Rainbands from Wipha lashed Hong Kong on Wednesday and Wednesday night bringing around 100 mm (4 inches) of rainfall to the city.

The combination of downpours and frequent wind gusts of 50-65 km/h (30-40 mph) lead to the Hong Kong Observatory issuing a tropical cyclone signal 8, its third highest level, according to Reuters.

The education bureau closed schools on Wednesday, and authorities urged office workers to go home early.

Hong Kong's financial markets were closed early on Wednesday and will open late or remain closed on Thursday if a tropical cyclone signal 8 or higher is in effect.

Brief periods of intense rainfall and gusty winds are expected to continue into the day on Thursday, resulting in localized flooding and travel delays at times.

Satellite image of Tropical Storm Wipha near China on Wednesday, local time. (Japan Meteorological Agency/Satellite image)

For anyone in the path of this storm, the time to prepare is right now. Heed all advice from local government officials and evacuate if asked. Keep gas tanks filled and cell phones charged.

Despite the storm tracking away from the Philippines, bands of rain will batter western areas of Luzon, including Manila, into this weekend. Localized flooding and travel disruptions are possible each day.

Additional tropical development is expected across the West Pacific during the first half of August with the potential for the first typhoon since Wutip in late February.

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