You may want to consider delaying your travel if the northern Philippines and southeastern China is in your travel plans over the next several days — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather as a result of Typhoon Haima, which struck the northern Philippines and is currently in the South China Sea as a Category 2 storm heading northwest towards China.
Travel Alert: Typhoon Haima Strikes the Philippines; Waivers Issued For Hong Kong
Typhoon Haima was once a super typhoon whose strength was equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane prior to landfall in the northern Philippines — meaning heavy rains, flooding, damaging winds, and rough high surf pounding the coastline. Widespread damage was reported in the northern Philippines; but thankfully, there are no reports of fatalities at this time as a result of Typhoon Haima — perhaps due to hundreds of thousands of people evacuating their homes and businesses prior to the arrival of the storm.
Although Hong Kong is not expected to bear the worst of Typhoon Haima, strong winds of up to 50 miles per hour and torrential rains of up to ten inches are still possible for the city as effects of the storm could be experienced as early as Friday afternoon…
…and although the storm will weaken considerably after landfall on mainland China, it is expected to turn towards the northeast. The remnants of Typhoon Haima could adversely affect Shanghai with heavy rainfall and flooding by this weekend; so do not be surprised if travel waivers are offered by airlines which serve both major airports of Shanghai.
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to anywhere in the northern Philippines and mainland China — including Hong Kong — over the next week or so, expect delays and cancellations. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking, as ground transportation options are expected to be disrupted by the effects of the storm.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight will most likely be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are five airlines which have issued travel alerts for Hong Kong as a result of Typhoon Haima:
Summary
The aforementioned alerts widely vary by airline; so be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce of the United States.
