HK braces for fierce rain as Ragasa intensifies into typhoon
發佈日期: 2025-09-20 20:45
TVB News
Just as Tropical Cyclone Mitag left the region, Tropical Storm Ragasa has strengthened into a Typhoon.
The Observatory forecasts that on Wednesday, Ragasa could bring winds of up to Beaufort scale 11 to offshore and highland areas in Hong Kong.
Storm surge effects will likely drive coastal water levels close to those seen during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.
Rainbands associated with Tropical Cyclone Mitag swept across the city, having brought squally showers and thunderstorms.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning early this morning, which had been in force for nearly 11 hours.
Several districts recorded more than 40 millimetres of rainfall, while Chek Lap Kok saw particularly heavy downpourswith accumulated rainfall exceeding 300 millimetres.
Meanwhile, another system, Tropical Storm Ragasa, has strengthened into a Typhoon east-northeast of Manila.
It is forecast to track toward the Luzon Strait over the next one to two days and intensify significantly -- with the potential to reach super typhoon strength by midweek as it approaches the coast of Guangdong.
Satellite images show that Ragasa's circulation is extensive with its outer subsiding air expected to affect Hong Kong on Monday and Tuesday, ushering in very hot temperatures.
After that, the weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate with strong gusts, heavy squalls, thunderstorms and storm surges.
A Hong Kong Observatory senior scientific officer says Ragasa is expected to come closest to the city on Wednesday, passing to the south of Hong Kong.
She adds that storm surge effects could possibly ratchet up coastal water to the levels seen during Typhoons Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018.
Several airlines have already adjusted their policies in anticipation of disruption from Ragasa.
Cathay Pacific said it would waive rebooking and rerouting charges for all flights to and from Hong Kong between Tuesday and Thursday.
Greater Bay Airlines also offered travel flexibility, allowing passengers with departures between Tuesday and Thursday to rebook within seven days of their original travel date.
Travellers scheduled to fly on Wednesday may also request a refund within 14 days, with related fees waived.
Hong Kong Airlines also expects possible delays and cancellations during the three-day window, and confirmed it would waive rebooking and rerouting charges for affected services.
