Tropical Storm Wipha is tracking southwest over the northern Gulf of Tonkin, with landfall forecast early July 22nd in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The storm is producing maximum sustained winds of 45 knots and has already impacted parts of southern China, including Guangdong, Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macao, with severe flooding and mass evacuations.
In Vietnam, officials have warned of widespread rainfall, storm surge, and strong winds affecting Quang Ninh to Nghe An provinces, with up to 35 cm (14 inches) of rain expected through July 23rd. Hundreds of flights have been canceled across northern Vietnam, and sea travel is suspended in northeastern coastal areas. Authorities are urging evacuations from flood-prone zones.
Across southern China, hundreds of flights remain canceled in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau, and Zhuhai, while rail and ferry services are resuming slowly. Over 275,000 people were evacuated in Guangdong, and flood, landslide, and storm warnings remain active.