A massive storm named Ragasa is bearing down on coastal areas, prompting severe warnings. Authorities in Hong Kong are bracing for the worst. They are considering an extensive 36-hour shutdown of the city’s international airport. This move aims to protect travelers and staff from the fierce super typhoon.
The Chinese National Meteorological Center issued its alert on September 22, 2025. They announced that Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon this year, has intensified into a super typhoon. This makes it the strongest storm in the northwest Pacific Ocean this year. Wind speeds are a staggering 60 meters per second. This power is equal to a Category 17 hurricane, showing its extreme force.
Ragasa is expected to travel northwest at 15–20 kilometers per hour. It will likely maintain its immense strength. Forecasters predict it will cross the Bash Channel on Monday night. Then, it will enter the northern South China Sea early on Tuesday. Its path leads directly towards the Guangdong coast.
From Tuesday through Thursday, Guangdong is in for a rough time. The province will face strong winds and heavy rainfall. The typhoon’s landfall is anticipated for Thursday morning or afternoon. It will likely hit the central or western coast of Guangdong. Experts expect it to be a strong typhoon, possibly still a super typhoon. Wind speeds at landfall could reach levels 14–16.
Chinese officials are urging full disaster readiness. Strong gusts, heavy rain, and high waves are expected. These conditions will affect the North and Central South China Sea, as well as coastal and inland areas. All ships and workers in these zones have received orders to return to port immediately. They must follow strict safety rules once docked.
Hong Kong International Airport may halt all arrivals and departures. The proposed closure would last from 6:00 PM Tuesday until 6:00 AM Thursday. If confirmed, airlines like Qantas Airways have already posted warnings on their websites. Many flights could be cancelled during this period. Hong Kong’s Observatory plans to raise its storm signal around noon on Tuesday.
This is not Hong Kong’s first dance with powerful typhoons. In September 2023, Typhoon Saola closed the airport for 20 hours. Typhoon Wipha caused a 13-hour shutdown in July. Such closures highlight the big risks typhoons pose to Hong Kong’s 7.5 million residents and its busy economy.