China’s National Meteorological Centre said the typhoon was expected to bring winds of up to 200km/h, rain between 25cm to 45cm (9 to 17 inches) and waves as high as 7 metres (23 feet).
The typhoon is expected to land between Taishan and Xuwen county in western Guangdong around Wednesday afternoon or evening, and heavy rainfall and wind will continue through Thursday, according to Guangdong’s weather forecaster.
More than 371,000 people have been evacuated across the province while helicopters and drones, 23 ships and 38,000 firefighters remain on standby.
Southern China braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
Southern China braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
In Guangdong, over 10 cities announced schools, businesses, markets and transport closures, affecting tens of millions of people.
By midday on Tuesday, the southern tech hub of Shenzhen had cancelled 210 departing flights and 319 incoming flights. All buses, taxis, subways and highways were closed by Tuesday evening.
Residents have been stockpiling food, water and even portable phone batteries for the past two days. Businesses have taped their windows, tied down rubbish bins and outdoor chairs, while local governments trimmed trees and checked underground passageways, construction sites and mountainous regions for safety hazards.
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