Typhoon «Huajiasha» made landfall along the coast of Hailing Island in Yangjiang, Guangdong, at 5:00 PM on September 24, with maximum sustained winds of force 13 near its center. Although the typhoon’s intensity weakened compared to forecasts, it still set a historical record for extreme wind speeds in Jiangmen. The weakening was attributed to land friction and insufficient energy supply from the continental shelf near the coast.

As the impact of «Huajiasha» diminishes, many areas in Guangdong have begun to orderly lift the «Five Stops» measures, resuming normal production and daily life. The typhoon has now entered Guangxi and weakened into a tropical storm, but related regions still need to strengthen precautions.

Weakened but Still Record-Breaking Winds

Around 5:00 PM on September 24, the center of this year’s 18th typhoon, «Huajiasha» (typhoon level), made landfall along the coast of Hailing Island in Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province. At landfall, the maximum sustained winds near the center reached force 13 (40 meters per second), with a minimum central pressure of 955 hPa. It was noted that September 24 coincided with an astronomical spring tide when the Earth, Sun, and Moon were nearly aligned. The combination of «Huajiasha» and the spring tide led to significant storm surges, causing seawater intrusion in some areas.

Shrubs along the road leaning in the wind on Hailing Island, Yangjiang City.

In previous forecasts, «Huajiasha» was expected to make landfall on the South China coast as a severe or super typhoon (force 14 to 16). Actual monitoring data showed that the typhoon eventually made landfall in Yangjiang at typhoon level (force 13). Why did «Huajiasha» weaken? The intensity change of Typhoon «Huajiasha» around landfall was mainly influenced by the following factors: «First, we can see that ‘Huajiasha’ is a very large typhoon, maintaining ‘super’ status for over three days, which means it required substantial energy to sustain its intensity. However, starting from the morning of the 24th, it moved along the Guangdong coast for a very long time, exceeding 10 hours. This prolonged contact with land caused significant friction, consuming a large amount of the typhoon’s energy. Additionally, as the typhoon moved through the nearshore area, which is the continental shelf between land and sea, the water depth is very shallow. This means the relatively shallow seawater could not provide sufficient energy for ‘Huajiasha’ to maintain a stronger intensity.»

Although «Huajiasha» weakened compared to earlier forecasts, its power should not be underestimated. Meteorological data showed that at Shati Island Station (elevation: 260 meters) in Chuandao Town, Taishan City, Jiangmen, Guangdong, a maximum gust of 67 meters per second (force 17 or higher) was recorded at 12:00 PM on the 24th, setting the highest extreme wind record for Jiangmen (previously 54.6 m/s during Typhoon Mangkhut). At the Shangchuan Island National Weather Station (elevation: 21.9 meters) in Taishan City, Jiangmen, a maximum gust of 64.3 meters per second (force 17 or higher) was recorded at 11:55 AM on the 24th, the highest extreme wind recorded by a national station in history.

Orderly Lifting of «Five Stops» Measures in Guangdong

As the impact of «Huajiasha» weakened, many areas in Guangdong began to lift the «Five Stops» measures (suspending classes, work, production, transport, and business) starting on the 24th. Dongguan’s Flood, Drought and Wind Control Headquarters issued a notice in the afternoon of the 24th, stating that as the typhoon’s impact on the city gradually weakened and the risk became controllable, the Level I emergency response for wind prevention was downgraded to Level III at 4:00 PM, and the «Five Stops» measures were lifted in batches starting from 5:00 PM. Various enterprises, transportation modes, and commercial establishments resumed operations and business orderly, with rail transit resuming service from the 25th. Educational institutions across the city also began orderly class resumption from the 25th.

After assessment, Foshan’s Three Preventions Headquarters decided to lift the «Five Stops» measures

Hailing Island

Hailing Island is a scenic island located off the coast of Yangjiang City in Guangdong Province, China. Historically, it was an important base for maritime trade and a strategic defensive location. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, seafood, and the historical site of the Nanyue King’s Tomb.

Yangjiang

Yangjiang is a coastal city in Guangdong Province, China, historically known as a regional administrative center. It is famous for its maritime culture and is renowned as the «Hometown of Knives and Scissors,» a traditional industry with a long history. The city also attracts tourists with its beaches and as a major production base for *Yangjiang douchi*, a type of fermented black bean.

Guangdong

Guangdong is a coastal province in southern China with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Historically known as a key terminus of the Maritime Silk Road, it has long been a major center for international trade and cultural exchange. This legacy continues today through its dynamic cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which are global economic powerhouses.

Guangxi

Guangxi is an autonomous region in southern China renowned for its stunning karst landscape, exemplified by the picturesque Li River near Guilin. Historically, it has been home to various ethnic groups, most notably the Zhuang people, whose unique culture is officially recognized. The region was also a vital part of ancient trade routes and a significant area during the Sino-French War.

Jiangmen

Jiangmen is a major city in Guangdong Province, China, historically significant as a key emigration port. From the mid-19th century, it was a primary point of departure for millions of Chinese migrants, particularly to Southeast Asia and North America, earning it the name «Home of the Overseas Chinese.» Today, it is a modern industrial city known for its rich diaspora heritage, visible in its distinctive *dilou* (watchtower houses) architecture.

Shati Island

Shati Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Shatt al-Arab waterway near the city of Basra in southern Iraq. Historically, it was used as a British Royal Air Force base in the 1920s and later became a popular local recreational area. Its significance has diminished over time, particularly after damage sustained during the Iran-Iraq War.

Chuandao Town

Chuandao Town is a historic water town located in Sichuan Province, China, known for its well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Situated along the Yangtze River, it served as an important port and transportation hub for centuries. Today, it is celebrated for its ancient streets, traditional courtyards, and rich cultural heritage.

Taishan City

Taishan City is a county-level city in Guangdong Province, China, historically significant as a major ancestral homeland for overseas Chinese, particularly those who emigrated to North America. Its history is deeply tied to the *qiaoxiang* (hometown of overseas Chinese) phenomenon, with many residents leaving in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city is known for its distinctive *diaolou* watchtower houses and a rich cultural heritage shaped by the influence of the diaspora.