Images of "lightning rain" covering the sky in Hainan Island (China) as Typhoon Yagi approaches

Tropical Storm No. 3 (Typhoon Yagi) is currently at super typhoon level as it moves toward Hainan Island (China) this morning, September 6. Last night, Hainan Island experienced heavy rain and intense lightning, creating a truly frightening scene.

Schools have been closed for the second day, and many flights have been canceled in Hainan, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau (China) as a precaution against Super Typhoon Yagi (referred to as Tropical Storm No. 3 in our country for 2024).

Forecasts indicate that Tropical Storm No. 3 will make landfall in the northern part of Hainan Island (China) this afternoon, as it remains at super typhoon status with wind speeds of 240 km/h (Category 17), then moving into the Gulf of Tonkin, heading towards northern Vietnam, according to the Independent.

Position at noon on September 6 and the forecast path of Tropical Storm No. 3. (Image: Zoom Earth, JMA).

According to China Daily, citing China’s meteorological agency, Tropical Storm No. 3 is expected to be the strongest storm to hit Hainan Island in a decade (barring any sudden changes in the storm’s path). Last night, the city of Haikou (Hainan Province, China) experienced significant lightning activity (many netizens referred to it as “lightning rain”). Images of large lightning strikes illuminating the night sky were truly terrifying, showcasing the unpredictable power of nature.

(Source: China Xinhua News).

This morning in Hainan, the streets were deserted as residents had been clearly informed about the super typhoon, according to AP. China Xinhua News reported that Hainan Province has raised its emergency response to the highest level as Typhoon Yagi approaches.

According to Reuters, it is very rare for a super typhoon to be forecasted to make landfall in Hainan, as most storms that hit here are weak. However, in recent years, storms globally have become stronger and harder to predict due to being fueled by warmer oceans. Last week, Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in Japan, marking the strongest storm to hit that country in many decades.

Intense lightning in Haikou (Hainan, China) last night. (Image: RT).

Forecasts indicate that Tropical Storm No. 3 will make landfall in northern Vietnam (likely in the Quang Ninh – Hai Phong area) tomorrow, September 7. Residents are advised to continuously monitor news updates and guidance from authorities; it is recommended to fully charge phones, power banks, and flashlights today, and not to be complacent as the storm approaches.