Typhoon Usagi (2013)

Early on September 17, PAGASA issued the public storm warning signal number 1 for Cagayan, Calayan and the Babuyan island groups, however these were lifted later that day as Usagi was expected to remain almost stationary for 24 – 36 hours.[18][19] PAGASA subsequently reissued warning signal number 1 for Cagayan, Calayan, Isabela and the Babuyan island group, during the next day after the system became a typhoon and started moving again.[20] Early the next day as the system intensified further Signal 1 and 2 were hoisted for 7 and 5 areas respectively. Later that day as Usagi approached Northern Luzon and the JTWC reported that the system had become a super typhoon signal 4 was raised for the Batanes island group while signal 3 was hoisted for the Calayan and Babuyan Island groups and various other areas were placed under signals 1 and 2.

Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair said flights on September 21 were unaffected, but for one canceled flight. However, both airlines announced that flights to and from Hong Kong International Airport would be cancelled starting 6 p.m. September 22 and resume the next day if conditions allow.[21] In Taiwan, more than 3,000 people were evacuated from flood-prone areas and mountainous regions. Some mountain roads were blocked by landslides, and power outages suspended some train service.[22] A total of 4 people were killed by Usagi, and the damage nationwide reached ₱340 million (US$7.88 million).[23]

Typhoon Usagi approaching Guangdong, China on September 22

In China a total of 35 people were killed. Total economic loss reached ¥26.4 billion (US$4.31 billion).[24] Guangdong was the hardest hit province during the storm, with 29 people died in the province and suffered a damage of ¥17.76 billion (US$2.9 billion). More than 9 million people were affected by Usagi in Guangdong.[25]

Neighbouring Guangxi province also being affected by the rains of Usagi. The loss in the province reached ¥14.877 million (US$2.43 million).[26] As far as Jiangxi province also felt the effects of Usagi. Heavy rains caused a river outflowed of its banks, and the damage in the province were at ¥16.94 million (US$2.77 million).[27]

In response to the storm's approach Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory issued the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal at 6:40PM local time on September 22.[28] It made landfall near Shanwei of the Chinese Guangdong province, and passed to the north of Shenzhen, heading northeast. As the typhoon moved away from Hong Kong, the HKO lowered the typhoon signal to the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 9:20AM on September 23. Usagi dissipated on September 24.

As Usagi neared to Hong Kong, news and media began rapidly reporting on "the strongest storm in 34 years" that would hit Hong Kong. However, in the afternoon of September 22, Usagi's course veered northwest, and Hong Kong was subsequently spared from the impact of Usagi's eye wall, only being covered by Usagi's storm area. Usagi made landfall at 130 kilometers (80 miles) to the east-northeast, and continued further northward that expected. Even though Usagi caused a direct hit as it skirted at 80 km north of the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters, the city faced only faced the strongest storm of the year, with northwest gales affecting many places including Victoria Harbour, Airport, Lau Fau Shan and Tai Mei Tuk, as well as occasional storm-force winds that were limited to Cheung Chau and some offshore areas. Hurricane was recorded only on high grounds like Ngong Ping and Tai Mo Shan. West to southwest gales took place later on as Usagi passed through Shenzhen. The most recent tropical cyclone that necessitated the issuance of Hurricane Signal No. 10 -- Typhoon Vicente from the previous year, was still more damaging in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, Usagi caused 17 injuries and prompted the Hong Kong Observatory to issue the No. 8 Gale or Storm Wind signal, keeping it in force for almost 15 hours.

The damage in Macau was less than that in Hong Kong because Usagi veered northwest before impact, putting Macau at the edge of Usagi's gale area, thus having weaker winds. The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau originally stated to consider hoisting the Signal No.8 before 7:00PM local time (UTC+8) on September 22, but the sudden change of Usagi's track ruled out the possibility of hoisting higher signals. Usagi only required the Bureau to hoist the Signal No. 3, as the wind speed recorded in Macau reached the level of strong wind only. Usagi's closest point of approach to Macau is 100 km to the north-northeast, at 4:00AM on September 23, which means that it was barely a direct hit.