Typhoon Yagi has rapidly intensified to a super typhoon as it approaches the Chinese holiday island of Hainan. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that Yagi is currently packing winds of up to 240 kph (150 mph), making it a high-end Category 4 Atlantic Hurricane. The typhoon is forecasted to make landfall towards the end of the week.
Scientists attribute the rapid intensification of Yagi to hotter oceans caused by the human-induced climate crisis. Just a day ago, Yagi was a tropical storm with top winds of 90 kph (60 mph).
Authorities in Hainan have taken precautionary measures in anticipation of the typhoon's impact. Intercity bus services have been suspended, and train, high-speed rail, and flight services have been canceled. Tourist attractions have also been shut down, and residents are reinforcing their homes with sandbags and taped windows.
The Central Meteorological Agency issued a red typhoon warning for Hainan and the southern province of Guangdong. In Hong Kong, kindergartens have been closed, and flight cancellations are expected to continue. The city's stock market may be suspended if a higher storm warning is issued.
Education authorities in Hong Kong have announced the closure of elementary and secondary schools on Friday due to anticipated strong winds. The impact of Typhoon Yagi, known as Enteng in the Philippines, has already been felt in the country, resulting in heavy rainfall and casualties.
As Yagi continues to strengthen in the warm waters of the South China Sea, residents and authorities in the affected regions are bracing for the potentially destructive winds and rainfall. Stay tuned for further updates on the development and impact of Typhoon Yagi.
