Is Shantou Prone to Direct Typhoon Hits? How High Is the Typhoon Risk?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · City Typhon · 更新 at 2026-07-24
The "Typhoon Corridor" Determined by Geography
Shantou is located on the eastern coast of Guangdong Province, at the southern end of the Han River Delta, facing the South China Sea. From a meteorological and geographical perspective, this is indeed an area frequently visited by typhoons. Since the Guangdong coast is one of the main paths for tropical cyclones generated in the Northwest Pacific and the South China Sea to make landfall or exert influence, Shantou often lies near the "bullseye" of typhoon tracks. Historically, several powerful typhoons have severely impacted Shantou, including Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, Severe Typhoon Usagi in 2013, and many others in earlier years. Therefore, stating that Shantou is prone to direct typhoon hits or severe impacts from their core cloud systems aligns with meteorological facts. However, this does not mean every typhoon makes direct landfall in downtown Shantou. More often, the city is affected by outer circulation bands or close passes. Even so, the wind and rain brought by these systems should not be underestimated.
How to Scientifically Assess Typhoon Risk
According to the national standard "Tropical Cyclone Grades" issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), typhoon risk levels are primarily classified based on the maximum sustained wind speed near the center, ranging from six levels: tropical depression to super typhoon. For residents of Shantou, risk depends not only on the typhoon's intensity (e.g., whether it is a super typhoon) but also on its movement speed, track deviation, and whether it coincides with astronomical high tides.
As a typhoon approaches, meteorological departments issue four levels of warning signals: blue, yellow, orange, and red.
- Blue and Yellow Warnings: Typically indicate the need to start monitoring weather changes, check windows and doors, and reduce outdoor activities.
- Orange and Red Warnings: Represent extremely high danger. When a red warning is in effect, most areas implement the "Five Suspensions" measures: suspension of classes, work, production, transportation, and business. Please note that standards may vary by location; always refer to announcements from local authorities. Special attention should be paid to storm surge risks. If a typhoon makes landfall during high tide, the risks of seawater backflow and waterlogging in low-lying areas will multiply. This is a compound disaster that coastal areas of Shantou must remain particularly vigilant against.
Practical Defense Guide for Residents
Facing potential typhoon threats, scientific preparedness is more effective than panic. Residents are advised to take the following precautions:
- Clear Balcony Hazards: Bring in items prone to falling, such as flower pots and clothes hangers, in advance, and secure outdoor air conditioning units.
- Stockpile Emergency Supplies: Keep at least three days' worth of drinking water, ready-to-eat food, common medications, and emergency lighting equipment such as flashlights and power banks at home to prepare for potential water and power outages.
- Monitor Official Information: Do not trust online rumors. Closely follow the latest track forecasts and warning signal updates issued by local meteorological observatories.
- Avoid Wading Through Water: During typhoons, standing water may hide dangers such as missing manhole covers or exposed live wires. Do not attempt to wade through flooded areas.
Although typhoons are fierce, they can be prevented and managed. Staying alert and responding scientifically are key to protecting yourself and your family. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TaifengSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.