Typhoon Saola (2023)

Typhoon Saola, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Goring, was a powerful and erratic tropical cyclone that affected the Philippines, southern Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and South China. The name Saola, is in reference to a rare animal found in Vietnam. The ninth named storm, seventh typhoon, and the third super typhoon of the 2023 typhoon season, Saola originated from an area of convection east of Taiwan and headed southwestwards.

This article is about the 2023 typhoon. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Saola and List of storms named Goring.

Typhoon Saola (Goring)
Saola at peak intensity while passing north the Philippines on August 30
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 22, 2023 (2023-08-22)
DissipatedSeptember 3, 2023 (2023-09-03)
Violent typhoon
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds195 km/h (120 mph)
Lowest pressure920 hPa (mbar); 27.17 inHg
Category 4-equivalent super typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds250 km/h (155 mph)
Lowest pressure921 hPa (mbar); 27.20 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities3
Injuries87
Missing1
Damage$545 million (2023 USD)
Areas affected
  • Hong Kong
  • Macau
  • South China
  • Philippines
  • Taiwan
IBTrACS
Part of the 2023 Pacific typhoon season

Saola then begin in a process of rapid intensification while making a looping trend. Although it did not make a direct landfall over Luzon, Saola made the closer pass into Central Luzon as a Category 4 equivalent typhoon, bringing gusty winds and heavy rains over the country. It weakened back to a Category 2-typhoon on September 1. After it executed a south-southeastward turn, Saola went again in an explosive intensification, regenerated back as a Category 4 as it passes over Batanes and left PAR on August 31 still as a super typhoon.

Prior to the approach of Saola, HKO raised the highest signal category in anticipation of the storm. The storm continued to approach closely over Hong Kong and Macau, battering with strong gusty winds and heavy rains over the area before weakening and making landfall over Southern China.

Meteorological history
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On August 20, an area of convection east of Taiwan began moving southwestwards with little organization over its center. The PAGASA marked the system as a low-pressure area on August 22, and the Japan Meteorological Agency upgraded it to a tropical depression. The PAGASA initially expected the system to not develop into a tropical cyclone,[1] but later upgraded it into a tropical depression the next day, and was given the local name of Goring,[2] it was also given a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert by the JTWC, designated as Tropical Depression 09W. Goring then moved generally north-northwestwards across the Philippine Sea. On August 24, Goring was upgraded to a tropical storm by the JTWC, with the JMA following suit a few hours later at 06:00 UTC, receiving the name Saola. PAGASA also followed suit in upgrading the system into a tropical storm in their 17:00 PHT (09:00 UTC) update. Saola continued to intensify and began to move southwestwards over the Philippine Sea east of the Batanes Islands. PAGASA then started to issue Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals across the eastern parts of Northern Luzon on Friday morning.[3] A few hours later, the JTWC upgraded Saola into a typhoon, with the JMA upgrading the system to a severe tropical storm shortly thereafter. Saola was then later upgraded into a typhoon moments later by the JMA, with JTWC upgrading it to a Category 2, beginning a process of rapid intensification. PAGASA followed suit by the evening and upgraded Saola into a typhoon as well.[4] Saola was then upgraded to a Category 4 typhoon by the morning of August 27.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, PAGASA then upgraded Goring (Saola) into a super typhoon after its winds passed 185 km/h (115 mph), becoming the third storm to enter in their 'super typhoon' category this year.[5] Saola then executed a south-southeastward turn over the Philippine Sea. Saola then weakened back into a typhoon per PAGASA, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #2 and #3 being lifted as it moved away from Central Luzon.[6] The Joint Typhoon Warning Center also downgraded Saola back into a Category 2 typhoon. Saola then weakened due to an eyewall replacement cycle, and PAGASA dropped some tropical cyclone wind signals in Eastern Luzon. It then turned northwest, and PAGASA reissued Signal 4 for parts of the Babuyan Islands and then explosively intensified into a Category 4 super typhoon, per the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. PAGASA then followed suit and upgraded Saola (Goring) into a super typhoon once more as it was passing between the Bashi Channel, and issued Signal #5 in the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, the second time this year since Typhoon Doksuri a month earlier. Later that day, Saola crossed the northwestern boundaries of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and PAGASA issued their final tropical cyclone advisories on it, with storm signals being dropped moments later. Saola remained a powerful super typhoon as it crossed into the South China Sea southwest of Taiwan, featuring a clear and warm eye as it did so.[7] On the afternoon of August 31 (UTC), the JTWC noted that Saola was struggling to complete an eyewall replacement cycle, resulting in some slight weakening.

Red visible satellite imagery loop of Typhoon Saola rapidly intensifying off the coast of Philippines on August 26, 2023. Maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h were estimated when the images were accquired.

However, Saola held onto Super Typhoon Status on the JTWC scale.[8] Meanwhile Saola fell below the threshold for Violent Typhoon on the JMA scale that same afternoon.[9] Around the same time, the Hong Kong Observatory had announced that tropical cyclone warning signal number 8 (Tropical Storm) would be issued at 2:40 a.m local time on Friday, with the potential of this being raised to warning signal number 10 (Hurricane) as Super Typhoon Saola drew closer. It was warned that at some locations storm surges due to Super Typhoon Saola could reach historic levels, rivaling those of Typhoon Wanda in 1962 and Typhoon Hato in 2017.[10] This has since been upgraded at 6:20pm to an increasing gale or storm signal number 9, and later to the Hurricane Signal number 10 at 8:15pm, becoming the first time in 5 years that the highest warning signal was raised since Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) back in 2018.[11] Saola continued approaching near Southern China including Hong Kong. Saola then passed south of Hong Kong and Macau as a strong Category 4, battering the area with strong winds and heavy rain. Saola then weakened into a Category 3 as it made landfall in Guangdong, China on early Saturday.[12] After it's landfall, Saola weakened into a strong Category 2 typhoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency then downgraded Saola into a severe tropical storm a few hours after landfall. The JTWC later followed suit and downgraded Saola into a tropical storm by their next update as it moved further inland Guangdong. As convection waned over its center, the agencies downgraded the once-powerful Saola into a tropical depression by September 2. Saola had dissipated on September 3, with its remnants causing rainfall and stormy conditions across Southern China.

Preparations

Philippines
Typhoon Saola [Goring] making a loop east of Luzon (left) and Tropical Storm Haikui [Hanna] (right) developing near the Northern Mariana Islands in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

Upon Saola's (known locally as Super Typhoon Goring) designation as a tropical storm on August 24, PAGASA has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for the northeastern part of Cagayan. After the storm reached typhoon status on the morning of August 25, the agency raised Signal No. 2 for parts of northern Luzon[13][14] and Signal No. 3 in the eastern portions of Isabela as Saola made its closest approach to mainland Luzon which was then removed as Saola made a counter-clockwise loop across the Philippine Sea.[15] Telecommunications company Globe Telecom prepared emergency supplies and personnel in areas that may be affected by the storm.[16] Classes were suspended on August 29, the first day of the school year, in areas that had been impacted by typhoons.[17] As a preventative measure for Saola's impacts, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ordered the temporary suspension of all sea traffic for all types of vessels.[18] About 25,000 people evacuated.[19] After the storm reached super typhoon status on the morning of August 29, the agency raised Signal No. 5, its highest warning signal—under the risk of violent, life-threatening winds—for the Babuyan Islands for the second time this year after Super Typhoon Doksuri.[20] Local flights were suspended early the next day as the storm wreaked havoc on Northern Luzon.[21] Flooding in four Cagayan towns forced the evacuation of 388 individuals, and floods rose in two other towns.[22] By August 30, most TCWS signals were lowered by the PAGASA as the storm left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.[23]

China

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a red typhoon warning;[24] heavy rainfall is anticipated across the provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi, as well as Hong Kong and Macau; the heaviest rainfall of 10–18 cm (3.9–7.1 in) is likely in the southwest of Guangdong Province.

Hong Kong

A T8 warning signal, landslide and rain alerts, and a special notice on floods in the northern New Territories have all been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. This has since been upgraded to an increasing gale or storm signal number 9 and later to Hurricane Signal No. 10, the highest level of tropical cyclone warning signals in Hong Kong, at 8:15 p.m, becoming the first time in 5 years that the highest warning signal has been raised since Typhoon Mangkhut back in 2018.[11]

Taiwan

The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) issued a sea warning on August 28.[25] As Saola continued to approach the island, the CWB issued a land warning to the southern part of Taiwan early on the next day, locally.[26] The CWB lifted the land warning late on August 31.[27] Some operators decided to suspended eight domestic flights and 72 ferry services.[28] School and work were canceled in the parts of Kaohsiung and Pingtung County.[29]

Impact

Philippines

Typhoon Saola and Haikui carried expansive rain bands as it approached the Philippines, exacerbating the existing southwest monsoon and causing widespread rains and floods over most of the country.[30][31] Saola brought torrential rains to parts of Metro Manila.[32] Two fatalities was confirmed in the Philippines, another went missing and Three were injured. Almost 1,086,837 people were affected by Saola. At least 7,813 houses were affected, including 334 which were destroyed. Damage from the storm amounted to ₱2.49 billion (US$43.9 million).

Saola was initially expected to strike into Taiwan, but instead went into the Bashi Channel between the Babuyan Islands and Batanes, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall across the area.

South China

In Guangdong Province, trees and building signs were blown off by the storm, and one person died in Shenzhen after a tree fell and hit their vehicle.[33]

Hong Kong

At least 86 people were injured due to storm-related effects, two landslides occurred and 1,545 trees were downed in Hong Kong.[34] Estimated damages were about HK$3.92 billion (US$500 million).[35]

See also

Historical comparisons to Saola:

References
  1. Ariel Rojas [@arielrojasPH] (August 22, 2023). "Isang Low Pressure Area ang nabuo sa Philippine Sea. Ito ay nasa layong 665 km silangan ng Aparri, Cagayan 3 p.m. ng Martes, August 22. Mababa ang tsansa nitong maging bagyo sa ngayon at posibleng manatili sa karagatan sa susunod na 2-3 araw, ayon sa @dost_pagasa. (A low pressure area formed in the Philippine Sea. This is at 665 km east of Aparri, Cagayan as of Tuesday, August 22. For now, it has a low chance to become a tropical cyclone and could possibly stay at sea for the next 2-3 days, according to @dost_pagasa.)" (Tweet) (in Filipino). Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  2. "LPA over Philippine Sea becomes Tropical Depression Goring". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  3. "Goring slightly intensifies; Signal No. 1 over four areas". GMA News Online. August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  4. PAGASA [@dost_pagasa] (August 25, 2023). "TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN NR. 9 Typhoon #GoringPH (SAOLA) Issued at 5:00 AM, 26 August 2023 Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin at 11:00 AM today. GORING CONTINUES TO RAPIDLY INTENSIFY OVER THE SEA EAST OF BABUYAN ISLANDS Link: tinyurl.com/GoringPH" (Tweet). Retrieved August 26, 2023 – via Twitter.
  5. "'Goring' now a super typhoon; Parts of Isabela under Signal No. 3". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  6. "Signal No. 2 lifted as 'Goring' weakens into typhoon; re-intensification into super typhoon possible". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  7. "'Goring' exits PAR as new storm enters".
  8. "PROGNOSTIC REASONING FOR SUPER TYPHOON 09W (SAOLA) WARNING NR 032". August 31, 2023.
  9. "Tropical Cyclone Information : Detail information T2309 ( SAOLA )". www.data.jma.go.jp. August 31, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  10. "Hong Kong to issue T8 typhoon warning soon, says T10 signal may come later". South China Morning Post. August 31, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  11. Lam, Jeffie; Li, Ambrose; Ma, Jess (September 1, 2023). "Super Typhoon Saola: Hong Kong Observatory raises alert to T9 storm signal as ex-director warns public to 'brace for the worst'". South China Morning Post. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  12. "Typhoon Saola makes landfall in Guangdong after slamming Hong Kong, Macau". Reuters. September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
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  15. "More areas in Isabela under Signal No. 3 due to Super Typhoon Goring". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  16. release, Press (August 26, 2023). "Globe prepares network, personnel for potential impact of Tropical Storm Goring". Punto! Central Luzon. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  17. "Class suspension marred school opening day in typhoon-affected areas". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  18. Cariaso, Bella. "Brace for Goring, LGUs told". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  19. "Saola May Regain Near-Super Typhoon Power as It Heads to Taiwan". Bloomberg.com. August 29, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  20. "Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #27 for Super Typhoon 'Goring' (Saola)" (PDF). PAGASA. August 29, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  21. Sarao, Zacarian (August 30, 2023). "LIST: Flights canceled on August 30 due to super typhoon Goring". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  22. France-Presse (August 28, 2023). "Hundreds flee floods unleashed by 'Goring'". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  23. "Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #33F for Super Typhoon 'Goring' (Saola)" (PDF). PAGASA. August 30, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  24. "Typhoon Saola: China issues highest warning as storm approaches Hong Kong and Guangdong". The Guardian. August 31, 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  25. "Taiwan issues sea warning for Typhoon Saola - Focus Taiwan". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  26. "Taiwan issues land warning for Typhoon Saola - Focus Taiwan". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  27. "Taiwan lifts land and sea warning for Typhoon Saola - Focus Taiwan". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  28. "Typhoon Saola disrupts air and maritime traffic - Focus Taiwan". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  29. "Office, school closures announced in parts of Kaohsiung, Pingtung - Focus Taiwan". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  30. Arceo, Acor (August 31, 2023). "Enhanced southwest monsoon may bring 'significant' rain; Hanna intensifies". RAPPLER. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  31. "Triple storms enhance habagat; Hanna maintains strength". August 31, 2023.
  32. Ong, Ghio. "Goring floods Metro; classes, work suspended". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  33. "Typhoon Saola makes landfall in Guangdong, killing one and causing damage and flooding". ABC News. September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  34. "Eighty-six injured as Saola skirts Hong Kong". thestandard.com.hk. September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
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