Typhoon Noul hits Guangdong with 162 km/h winds, over 340,000 evacuated across southern China

Typhoon Noul made landfall near Pinghai in China's Guangdong province, approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Hong Kong, early Sunday morning local time. The storm reached wind speeds of 162 kilometers per hour, making it the strongest typhoon to hit China so far this year, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Landfall and immediate impact

CCTV footage showed lashing winds, heavy rainfall, and streets littered with debris. The typhoon crossed the coast with the highest typhoon warning level, red, already in effect across southern China. More than 340,000 people were preemptively evacuated before the storm arrived. Before reaching the Chinese mainland, Noul passed over the northernmost islands of the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction there.

“Noul is steadily moving inland into Guangdong and gradually weakening, but gale-force gusts continue to affect many areas in Hong Kong, with occasional hurricane-force gusts in higher terrain.”

Hong Kong disruption

A typhoon warning was also issued in Hong Kong. At least 350 flights to and from Hong Kong International Airport were canceled on Sunday, according to the airport's website. The Hong Kong government reported that 21 people were injured and it had received more than 300 reports of fallen trees, as well as eight flood reports. The storm's outer bands continued to buffet the financial hub through the day.

Evacuation and Philippine toll

In China, authorities activated the highest typhoon alert and moved more than 340,000 residents to safety ahead of Noul's arrival. The Philippine disaster management agency confirmed three people were killed and one remained missing after the typhoon swept across the country's northernmost islands. Around 9,300 people were evacuated there before the storm crossed toward China.

Forecast path and lingering rain

CCTV reported that Noul will continue moving inland, carrying strong winds and rain into the provinces of Jiangxi, Hunan, and Hubei. Precipitation caused by the typhoon may persist until Tuesday, reaching as far north as Henan and Shandong. State news agency Xinhua said flood warning levels were raised in Guangdong, Hunan, and Jiangxi, with extreme rainfall possible, particularly in mountainous regions where flood protection is difficult.