Strongest storm of 2013, Super Typhoon Usagi, to hit HK

Photo: NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team

Our wish for an even longer weekend may come true (see our instagram @coconutsHK) as storms intensified last night to a super typhoon (classified “super” when winds reach up to 240kph).

According to storm-track predictions, super Typhoon Usagi is heading straight towards Hong Kong, and is believed to be the most powerful storm on Earth in 2013. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a warning Thursday evening predicting the super typhoon will “pose a threat to Hong Kong” on Sunday.

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Photo: Hong Kong Observatory

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Photo: NASA JPL, Ed Olsen

Although, right now Usagi is looking to hit Hong Kong directly, experts say that any slight change in wind direction will affect the impact it will cause on Hong Kong.

China has issued a yellow alert, third highest of China’s four-tier warning system, whereas The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) has initiated an I-class emergency response, the highest level of the nation’s maritime disaster system.

Sources: SCMP, Hong Kong Observatory, and NASA




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