Super Typhoon Yagi to Hit China's Hainan Island, Bringing Destructive Winds and Heavy Rains

One of the strongest storms of 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi, is set to make landfall on Friday on Hainan, a popular Chinese holiday destination often dubbed "China's Hawaii." Packing winds of up to 240 kilometers per hour (149 mph), Yagi is currently classified as a Category 4 storm, trailing only Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, as the second most powerful tropical cyclone this year.

In just two days, Yagi intensified rapidly over the warm waters of the South China Sea, transforming from a tropical storm with winds of 90 kph (60 mph) to a super typhoon. The storm’s intensity is linked to climate change, with scientists highlighting that warming oceans are causing storms to strengthen more rapidly.

The typhoon’s outer bands have already battered Hong Kong and parts of southern China, prompting the suspension of public services and flights. The Chinese provinces of Hainan and Guangdong are bracing for its arrival, with authorities issuing red typhoon warnings, the most severe alert level.

Hainan, known for its resorts, beaches, and luxury shopping, is well-accustomed to storms, but Yagi's extreme winds and potential storm surges pose a significant risk. Precautionary measures, including the suspension of public transport and the closure of tourist attractions, have been implemented to minimize damage.

The storm has already caused travel disruptions, with all flights and high-speed rail services suspended, and Hong Kong has shut down schools and suspended its stock market. In the Philippines, where Yagi is called "Enteng," the storm caused deadly flooding, killing at least 13 people and bringing heavy rainfall to parts of Luzon.

Yagi is expected to make landfall near the northern tip of Hainan and then move inland through western Guangdong, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds capable of toppling trees and power lines. Residents are preparing by reinforcing windows and laying sandbags to guard against flooding as they await the storm's arrival.