Full Breakdown
China Braces for Heavy Rain as Tropical Storm Noul Nears Southern Coast
7/24/2026, 12:58:32 PM
Storm Noul Approaches Southern China
On July 24, Chinese weather authorities issued a warning that the third tropical cyclone of the month, Tropical Storm Noul, was moving west-northwest at 25-30 km/h northeast of Manila. The system was expected to intensify over the weekend and to pass within 800 km of Hong Kong later that day. Noul’s name, contributed by North Korea, refers to the glow of sunrise or sunset in Korean.
Expected Landfall and Rainfall Forecast
Meteorologists projected that Noul would make landfall between Zhuhai in Guangdong province and Zhangpu in Fujian province between the night of July 25 and early morning of July 26, then move inland and weaken gradually. Cumulative rainfall in eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian could reach 500-600 mm (20-24 inches) in localized areas. Both provinces normally receive about 2,000 mm of rain annually, making the forecasted totals a significant short-term increase.
Transportation Disruptions in Guangdong and Zhuhai
Guangdong province announced the suspension of all high-speed and regular rail services on July 26, following a partial halt on July 25. In Zhuhai, ferry operations were set to be suspended on both July 25 and July 26, and coastal scenic areas were to be closed to visitors. These measures aim to reduce risk to passengers amid the anticipated heavy rains and strong winds.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Flood-Control Context
The storm arrives while rescue teams continue searching for more than 50 people missing after a deadly landslide in Chongqing municipality. China is entering its peak flood-control window—known as Qixia Bashang—from mid-July to mid-August, a period when authorities intensify monitoring and preparedness for extreme rainfall. Weather experts warned that northern China could see 20-50 percent more rain than usual in the coming weeks.
Official Outlook and Expert Warnings
Authorities emphasized that extreme rainfall events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity over the next several weeks. The combined impact of Noul’s heavy rains, transport suspensions, and ongoing rescue operations underscores the heightened flood risk during the Qixia Bashang period.
