Zhuhai Meteorological Observatory issued a typhoon blue warning signal at 9:30 pm on July 30, reminding of strong winds and thunderstorms. The alert remains in force today.

Tropical Depression Wipha has evolved into Typhoon Wipha and is expected to hit Zhuhai and neighboring areas. It is forecast to land on coastal areas between Guangdong's Dianbai and Qionghai of Hainan.

Zhuhai Airport reported that five flights were canceled and eight others suspended at the moment.

Typhoon Wipha bringing about rainstorms [Photo courtesy gb.cri.cn]

Despite the warning, all ferries from Jiuzhou Port Ferry Terminal in Jida to Hong Kong are in operation. Yet all those from Xiangzhou Port to various islands are suspended today and pending for the following two days.

The municipal observatory advises local authorities to take preventive measures against potential disasters, and ships in affected areas are advised to return to ports.

China has a four-level warning system with color-coded for bad weather -- red is the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.