Super typhoon Ragasa will become 2025’s most powerful tropical cyclone so far and is heading towards Hong Kong. Ragasa gets its name from the Filipino word meaning rapid or fast moving.
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) forecasts the typhoon to hit Hong Kong from late Tuesday, September 23 and will remain in full force until Wednesday September 24. Ragasa is said to continue moving westward across Southern China as well as toward Laos, and is expected to dissipate by Thursday or Friday.
Predicted wind speeds range from 175 km/h with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h. HKO expects a rise of two to three metres in sea levels around the city’s shorelines on Wednesday.
The city’s supermarkets have been left with empty shelves as people scramble to stock up on necessities in preparation for Ragasa and in fear of the two-day citywide shutdown.
At least 700 flights have been cancelled by major airlines ahead of Typhoon Ragasa’s approach, with all flights after 6pm being suspended on September 23 and potential disruptions continuing the succeeding two days.
Other impacts on Hong Kong:
- Classes across all schools will suspend classes and remain closed for a minimum of two days.
- Businesses will cease operations until the storm warning has been lifted, and will precede operation with caution.
- Public transportation will cease operations until it is safe to do so.
Residents of Hong Kong are strongly advised to stay indoors, secure all windows and doors, and to protect windows from potential flying debris in case of severe wind impacts.
