Saudel Makes Fujian Landfall, Re-Approaches Pearl River Estuary Friday
HK01 · 10 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Tropical Storm Saudel made landfall in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province on Thursday morning (September 3, 2026), according to the Hong Kong Observatory . The storm has turned westward and is currently crossing Guangdong's eastern interior while gradually weakening. The No. 1 Strong Wind Signal remains in effect through Thursday morning, with authorities assessing whether to issue a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal when Saudel re-approaches the Pearl River Estuary on Friday . The convergence of Saudel with the northeast monsoon continues to generate strong winds over offshore areas and elevated terrain in Hong Kong .
Key Points
- Saudel made landfall in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province on Thursday morning at approximately 8 a.m., according to the Hong Kong Observatory
- As of noon on September 3, Saudel was located approximately 360 kilometres northeast of Hong Kong, moving westward at about 12 kilometres per hour across Guangdong's eastern interior
- The No. 1 Strong Wind Signal will remain in effect through Thursday morning, with strong winds affecting offshore areas and elevated terrain due to the combined influence of Saudel and the northeast monsoon
- Saudel is forecast to re-approach the Pearl River Estuary region on Friday (September 4), though its intensity at that time remains highly uncertain
- The Hong Kong Observatory will assess whether to issue a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal based on Saudel's intensity upon approaching the Pearl River Estuary, the distance of its strong wind zone from the estuary, and changes in local wind conditions
Why It Matters
Saudel's unpredictable intensity as it re-approaches the Pearl River Estuary creates significant challenges for emergency preparedness, as the Observatory has indicated it will assess whether to issue a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal depending on the storm's development . The convergence of the storm with the northeast monsoon is producing strong winds and rough seas along the Guangdong coast, affecting both maritime activities and land-based infrastructure . With the typhoon season at its peak, the dual threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall underscores the importance of public vigilance and adherence to safety advisories as conditions can deteriorate rapidly .
Saudel's unpredictable intensity as it re-approaches the Pearl River Estuary creates significant challenges for emergency preparedness, as the Observatory has indicated it will assess whether to issue a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal depending on the storm's development . The convergence of the storm with the northeast monsoon is producing strong winds and rough seas along the Guangdong coast, affecting both maritime activities and land-based infrastructure . With the typhoon season at its peak, the dual threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall underscores the importance of public vigilance and adherence to safety advisories as conditions can deteriorate rapidly .