Typhoon Capricorn Makes Landfall in China, Bringing Extreme Winds andHeavy Rainfall
BEIJING, CHINA – Typhoon Capricorn, the11th typhoon of the year, made landfall in China on September 6th, bringing with it extreme winds and heavy rainfall. The storm,which reached super typhoon strength (17 or above on the Beaufort scale), made landfall in the coastal region between Wenchang, Hainan, and Leizhou, Guangdong.
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued the highest level of typhoon red alert, warning of the storm’s unprecedented strength. Experts predict that Capricorn could be the strongest typhoon to hit China this year, potentiallyrivaling the intensity of Typhoon Rammasun in 2014.
Capricorn rapidly intensified from a strong tropical storm to a super typhoon within 24 hours. Xiang Chuny, a forecasterat the CMA, explained the rapid intensification by citing several factors. Firstly, the sea surface temperatures in the northern South China Sea were abnormally high, exceeding 30°C, providing ample energy for the storm. Secondly, Capricorn experienced minimal vertical wind shear, allowing for vertical development of the typhoon’s convection. Finally, the southwest monsoon continuously transported moisture from the tropical ocean surface into the typhoon’s circulation, sustaining its energy.
Typhoons that form between September and November are known as autumn typhoons. Capricorn, which formed on September 1st, falls into this category.Zhou Guanbo, a senior engineer at the CMA, explained that autumn typhoons tend to be stronger than summer typhoons. This is due to the higher sea surface temperatures in late summer and early autumn, which provide more energy for the storms. Additionally, the active cold air masses in autumn can interactwith typhoons, potentially triggering stronger winds and rainfall. Furthermore, the subtropical high-pressure system gradually retreats eastward and southward during autumn, leading to a more southerly path for autumn typhoons compared to summer typhoons.
By the morning of September 6th, the center of Capricorn wasless than 200 kilometers from Wenchang City, Hainan. The storm’s outer cloud bands brought winds of 11 to 13 on the Beaufort scale to the coastal regions of Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan Island, and the Dongsha Islands. Heavy rainfall was reported in Changjiang and Dongfang, Hainan.
Capricorn shares similarities with the 2014 super typhoon Rammasun and the strong typhoon Seagull, both of which caused widespread rainfall in South China and southwest China.
Meteorological experts warn that Capricorn’s landfall intensity isextreme, with estimated maximum wind speeds near the center reaching 65 meters per second. The northern part of Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula are expected to experience extreme strong winds and heavy rainfall. There is a possibility of tornadoes occurring along the Guangdong coast and Hainan Island, requiring heightened vigilance.After landfall, Capricorn is expected to maintain its well-defined spiral structure and continue its path through the Beibu Gulf, impacting Guangxi and Yunnan.
The authorities in affected regions have issued warnings and implemented emergency measures to minimize the impact of the storm. Residents are advised to take precautions, includingstaying indoors, securing loose objects, and avoiding coastal areas. The storm is expected to continue its path through the region for several days, bringing continued threats of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding.
Views: 0