Over 20 000 evacuated as Typhoon Noul approaches Guangdong, up to 600 mm (24 inches) of rain forecast, China

Satellite image of typhoon Noul at UTC on July 25, 2026. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers Typhoon Noul, known locally in the Philippines as Kiyapo, intensified over the northeastern South China Sea on July 25, after crossing northern Luzon and the Babuyan Islands a day earlier. More than 20 000 people had been evacuated in Guangdong through July 24 as the typhoon approached the Chinese mainland. China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon control in Guangdong to Level 3 on July 25 as Noul strengthened, while also activating a Level 4 flood emergency response for Jiangxi and Hunan provinces. As of UTC on July 25, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) placed Noul about 437 km (272 miles) east of Hong Kong with 1-minute maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h (87 mph). The cyclone was moving west-northwest at 28 km/h (17 mph), generating significant wave heights of up to 9 m (30 feet). The Hong Kong Observatory reported that at HKT ( UTC) on July 25, Noul was producing 10-minute maximum sustained winds of approximately 140 km/h (87 mph) while tracking steadily across the northeastern South China Sea toward eastern Guangdong. China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) estimated the typhoon’s minimum central pressure at 965 hPa. Forecast guidance from the JTWC, NMC, and other operational agencies indicated landfall near the cities of Huizhou and Shanwei. The JTWC projected landfall within 12 hours from its UTC advisory on July 25, with peak 1-minute sustained winds reaching up to 158 km/h (98 mph) before the cyclone moves inland and gradually weakens. Satellite image of Typhoon Noul at UTC on July 25, 2026. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers The primary hazard is expected to be heavy rainfall across southeastern Guangdong and southern Fujian. NMC forecasts widespread rainfall with localized accumulations of 500 to 600 mm (20 to 24 inches), capable of producing flash flooding, river flooding, urban inundation, landslides, and debris flows, particularly across mountainous terrain and densely populated river basins. Much of southern China has experienced repeated heavy rainfall during July, leaving soils saturated and river levels elevated. Additional rainfall associated with Noul is therefore expected to increase the likelihood of secondary hazards, including slope failures and rapidly developing flash floods. Rail operators announced the suspension of both high-speed and conventional train services in parts of Guangdong. Provincial authorities suspended some train services on Saturday morning, with all provincial train services scheduled to halt on Sunday, according to CCTV. Schools in Chaozhou were instructed to suspend on-campus activities, according to local media.