Tropical Cyclone Noul Approaches Southern China, Hong Kong, Vietnam

Tropical Cyclone Noul, which intensified from a tropical depression east of the Philippines, is tracking west‑northwestward into the East Sea. Forecasts show the system entering the sea on the night of 24 July, strengthening to a typhoon with wind gusts up to 130 km/h, and moving toward China’s Guangdong coast.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued Standby Signal No. 1 for the territory and warned of strong winds, squally showers and rough seas, while mainland Chinese agencies expect landfall between Zhuhai (Guangdong) and Zhangpu (Fujian) on Saturday night or early Sunday. They project 500‑600 mm of rain in localized areas, raising severe flood and landslide risks, especially in southern coastal provinces.

Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro‑Meteorological Forecasts said Noul has “over an 80 % chance of entering Guangdong province and a low likelihood of impacting Vietnam’s mainland.” Nonetheless, the storm is expected to bring strong winds, high waves (up to 6 m) and heavy rain to the northern region, prompting flood alerts for nine provinces, with flash‑flood and landslide threats in mountainous and low‑lying areas.