China Severe Weather: Over 20,000 Evacuated as Typhoon Noul Nears Guangdong Coast
Typhoon Noul is forecast to make landfall between Hong Kong and Lufeng in Guangdong province between late Saturday and Sunday morning, prompting evacuations of more than 20,000 people, suspension of all train services in Guangdong on Sunday, flight cancellations and widespread warnings for torrential rain and strong winds across southern China amid China severe weather. [1][2]
Current Status of Typhoon Noul
Noul is the 12th typhoon of the year and has already brought strong winds and torrential rain to southern China, with an orange alert maintained by the National Meteorological Centre. [1][2] The typhoon is forecast to hit the coast between Hong Kong and Lufeng in Guangdong sometime between late Saturday and Sunday morning. [1] China's National Meteorological Center maintained an orange typhoon alert on Saturday, the second-highest level in its four-tier system. [2] Strong winds and torrential rain lashed southern China on Saturday as Noul strengthened. [1] The National Meteorological Centre warned that Guangdong and the nearby provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Hunan would be directly affected by Noul. [1]
Evacuations and Precautionary Measures
More than 20,000 people were relocated in areas across Guangdong by Friday evening. [1][2] Fishing vessels operating at sea in the province had returned to ports to shelter from the storm. [2] Schools in Guangdong's Chaozhou city were instructed to suspend on-campus activities. [2] The National Meteorological Centre urged people to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel and watch for disaster threats. [1]
Guangdong suspends all train services as Typhoon Noul approaches the southern China coast. — Source: vnexpress
Transport Disruptions Across Southern China
Guangdong has suspended rail services, with all trains halted on Sunday. [1][2] Guangdong began suspending rail services on Saturday, with high-speed and regular trains expected to be halted on Sunday. [1] Operations at airports in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen may be disrupted. [1][2] From Saturday, operations at airports across Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen may be affected. [1] Cathay Pacific is cancelling flights from Hong Kong International Airport between 1:15am and 6pm on Sunday. [1] The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge is closed over the weekend. [1] The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge has suspended operations on Saturday and Sunday. [1]
Expected Weather Impacts
Cumulative rainfall in eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian could reach 500-600 mm in localised areas, directly affecting Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces. [1] Cumulative rainfall across eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian could reach 500 to 600 millimetres in localised areas. [1] The National Meteorological Center warned that parts of Guangdong and neighbouring Fujian Province would experience gales and torrential rain. [2] Meteorologists said cumulative rainfall could reach those levels in localised areas. [1] Authorities warned people to avoid unnecessary travel as transport links could be disrupted. [1]
Evacuees in Guangdong province prepare for Typhoon Noul landfall. — Source: rappler
Context of Recent Extreme Weather
Earlier this month, Typhoon Maysak killed 39 people in Guangxi floods and 11 in Hubei thunderstorms and winds, injuring 331, amid warnings that climate change will increase extreme weather intensity. [1][2] 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. [1][2] Maysak also caused thunderstorms and gale-force winds that killed 11 people and injured 331 in the central province of Hubei. [1][2] Scientists warn the intensity and frequency of global extreme weather events will increase as the planet continues to heat up because of fossil fuel emissions. [1][2] China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, but it is also a global renewable energy powerhouse that aims to make its massive economy carbon-neutral by 2060. [2] Guangdong is China's most populous province with 127.8 million permanent residents at the end of 2024. [2]
Preparedness and Official Guidance
The National Meteorological Centre warned that Guangdong, and the nearby provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Hunan would be directly affected by Noul. [1] It urged people to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel and watch for disaster threats. [1] Participants practise evacuating an underground facility during a typhoon survival training session at the Lvxing Disaster Simulation Training Center, the first of its kind in the world, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China on July 15, 2026. [1] The National Meteorological Centre's advice on precautions includes monitoring disaster threats as part of ongoing readiness. [1]
What to watch next: Noul is forecast to make landfall between late Saturday and Sunday morning with gales and torrential rain continuing to affect Guangdong and neighbouring provinces while transport suspensions remain in place. [1][2]
