Hato to heighten flood risk from Taiwan to China, Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Hato will unleash heavy rainfall and locally damaging winds on parts of Taiwan and southeastern China this week.

Southern and eastern Taiwan will face the first punch with heavy downpours and strong winds into Tuesday.

Rainfall amounts of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) will be common across the southern half of the east coast and across southern parts of the island with local amounts over 250 mm (10 inches) in higher terrain.

Hato will remain south of the island, keeping any widespread damaging winds offshore. However, locally damaging wind gusts are still possible and could result in power outages and downed trees.

Some minor strengthening is expected on Tuesday as Hato tracks from south of Taiwan toward the southeastern China coastline, but it is expected to remain a tropical storm during this time.

Landfall is expected late Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, local time, less than 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong will be at risk for flooding downpours from Tuesday night through early Wednesday afternoon. Total rainfall of 75-125 mm (3-5 inches) is expected resulting in flash flooding and transportation delays.

Frequent wind gusts of 65-80 km/h (40-50 mph) across the city could result in downed trees and power outages.

Hato will weaken as it tracks farther inland and will eventually become a tropical rainstorm later Wednesday or Thursday.

Despite weakening, Hato will continue to bring a high risk for flooding to parts of southeastern China as far inland as eastern Yunnan province.

Much of Gunangdon, Guangxi and eastern Yunnan can expect 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) of rainfall with locally higher amounts heightening the risk for flooding and mudslides.

Another tropical threat may follow in the tracks of Hato later this week.

This potential cyclone could bring another round of flooding rainfall to the northern Philippines and southeastern China from Friday into the weekend.

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