China Severe Weather Forces Evacuation of 700,000 as Typhoon Noul Makes Landfall in Guangdong
China severe weather linked to Typhoon Noul forced the evacuation of more than 700,000 people in Guangdong after the storm made landfall early on 26 July 2026, triggering the highest-level alerts for typhoon and flash floods while disrupting transport across southern provinces.
Landfall and Immediate Impact
Typhoon Noul struck the coast of Huidong county in Guangdong at about 3:50am on 26 July 2026 with sustained winds of 151-173 km/h. [3] The storm later weakened as it moved inland toward Hunan. [1] Noul brought winds of up to 162 km/h to the region and passed within 80 km of Hong Kong, where southwesterly gales pounded parts of the city. [5] In Hong Kong the typhoon signal was raised to 8 then lowered to 3 as the storm weakened. [1] The typhoon is the strongest to hit China this year and the 12th tropical cyclone of the season. [5]
Evacuations and Emergency Alerts
More than 700,000 people were evacuated in Guangdong while authorities in multiple cities suspended classes, work, production, business operations, transportation and all rail services for the day. [1] The National Meteorological Centre issued the year's first red typhoon alert on 25 July, later downgraded as the storm weakened. [5] A highest-level flash flood alert was also declared for several provinces. [1] Guangdong upgraded its emergency response for flood and typhoon control to the third level in its four-tier system, while level-four flood emergency responses were activated for Jiangxi and Hunan. [3]
Typhoon Noul makes landfall in Guangdong prompting evacuation of over 700000 people. — Source: dawn
Transport and Business Disruptions
High-speed rail services and all train services in Guangdong were halted on 26 July. [5] The Hong Kong airport cancelled or delayed hundreds of flights, with services gradually resuming on 26 July afternoon after a 12-hour disruption. [1] More than 20 weekend flights between Singapore and southern China were cancelled amid the typhoon. [4] Cathay Pacific cancelled all flights scheduled to arrive and depart from Hong Kong International Airport between 1:15 am and 6pm local time on 26 July. [3] Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport adjusted flight schedules from Sunday morning to around midday depending on weather conditions. [3]
Forecast Rainfall and Flood Risk
Heavy to torrential and locally exceptional rainfall is forecast across Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi and Hunan from 26 July until 28 July. [1] The storm is expected to bring prolonged heavy rain while traversing complex terrain. [5] Extremely heavy to exceptional downpours are expected to lash some areas including Fujian, with rains likely to persist until Tuesday. [1] Typhoon Noul is characterised by deep inland penetration, a prolonged duration, heavy cumulative rainfall, a path traversing complex terrain, and a high risk of causing disasters. [3]
Typhoon Noul brings travel chaos to southern Chinese tech hubs Shenzhen and Guangzhou. — Source: scmp
Context Within Recent Storms
Noul is the third typhoon to affect China this month. [1] Extreme weather has already wreaked havoc on southern and central China this month, with 39 people killed when Typhoon Maysak triggered devastating floods in Guangxi. [3]
What to watch next
Authorities continue to monitor the weakening storm as it moves inland, with torrential rain expected to persist across multiple provinces through Tuesday and flash flood risks remaining elevated in complex terrain areas.
