Which Typhoons Have Had the Most Severe Impact on Shenzhen in History?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Regional Typhoons · 更新 at 2026-10-19
Historical Lessons: Storm Memories of the 20th Century
Shenzhen, located on the east bank of the Pearl River Estuary, is a high-frequency area for typhoon landfalls or severe impacts. Reviewing meteorological records, two major typhoon events in the 20th century established the historical baseline for disaster prevention in Shenzhen. In 1956, Typhoon WANDA (No. 12) struck the Pearl River Delta head-on as a super typhoon. The intense storm surge, gale-force winds, and heavy rainfall it brought caused enormous losses, and it is widely recognized as one of the most severe typhoons to affect the region in the 20th century. In 1979, Typhoon HOPE (No. 13) also ravaged the area as a severe typhoon, causing serious damage to coastal embankments. Although meteorological observation methods were relatively limited at the time, the severity of these two disasters remains a profound memory for older generations of Shenzhen residents and has provided important historical reference data for the subsequent formulation of urban wind-resistance standards.
Modern Challenges: The Warning of "Mangkhut" and Extreme Weather
Entering the 21st century, with the city's high-density development, the challenge posed by typhoons to infrastructure has become more severe. In 2018, Typhoon MANGKHUT (No. 22) was the most impactful case for Shenzhen in recent years. According to the national standard "Tropical Cyclone Grades" issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), MANGKHUT reached the level of a super typhoon (maximum sustained wind speed near the bottom center ≥ Grade 16). Although it made landfall in Taishan, Guangdong, on September 16, more than 100 kilometers away from Shenzhen, its massive circulation structure led to an extreme situation in Shenzhen characterized by the convergence of "gales, rainstorms, and storm surges."
This event triggered a Red Typhoon Warning in Shenzhen, resulting in widespread tree falls, damage to glass curtain walls, and localized waterlogging across the city. For many young citizens, MANGKHUT was the first time they intuitively felt the destructive power of a super typhoon. It greatly enhanced public awareness of typhoon defense levels and prompted systematic upgrades in urban landscaping reinforcement and waterproofing of underground spaces.
Recent Cases and Normalized Defense
Typhoon SAOLA (No. 9) in 2023 is another typical case worth noting. As a typhoon with significant impact in recent years, SAOLA had a complex track and maintained its intensity for a long time. Although it did not cause widespread physical damage comparable to MANGKHUT, the prolonged wind and rain impacts and the disruption to urban operations served as a reminder that the typhoon threat has not diminished. Facing the new trend of increasing typhoon intensity and variable tracks under the background of climate change, relying solely on historical experience is no longer sufficient; dynamic defense combined with real-time monitoring is required.
It is particularly important to emphasize that typhoon defense is a systematic engineering effort. When meteorological departments issue warning signals, citizens should strictly comply with the "Three Suspensions" measures (suspension of work, classes, and business) issued by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. Please refer to the latest announcements released by the local government for specific implementation standards. Do not let your guard down due to the brief calm when the typhoon eye passes over; storm surges and heavy rainfall often have a lag effect.
The key to disaster prevention and mitigation lies in being "early" and "practical." Citizens are advised to develop the habit of following official meteorological information, check the stability of doors and windows in advance, clear clutter from balconies, and reserve necessary emergency supplies. Understanding typhoon dynamics is not only for responding to disasters but also for ensuring the safety and order of daily life. For the latest and most accurate real-time typhoon tracks and forecast information, please feel free to visit TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com).
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.