Heavy rains expected in Northern Thailand. ‘Higos’ reaches China’s coast.

Category 3 tropical storm Higos is expected to bring heavy rains to Northern Thailand for the next few days. The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning saying “people should beware of the severe conditions”.

China suffered a double blow of flooding and landslides from unusually heavy seasonal rains and a storm that barrelled into its southern coast yesterday evening. 5 people were missing in Yunnan province in the southwest after a landslide destroyed 2 houses. In Sichuan province, 21 vehicles parked in a square in Yibin city fell into a hole after the road beneath them collapsed in the middle of the night.

Higos drenched Hong Kong last night before making landfall in Zhuhai, a city in the south of Guangdong province.

In Thailand, a monsoonal trough is moving to the North and upper Northeast. The Cat 3 storm, paired with the monsoon trough over southern China and northern Vietnam, will bring heavy rains to the north until Sunday. The tropical storm is expected to weaken to a Category 2 depression by tomorrow and decay over southern China.

Some Northern Thailand locals have already reported flooding. The Mekong River hit this year’s highest level, cordoning to Chiang Rai Times. In one day, it raised by 34 centimetres and locals say they believe it will continue to rise.

People in the areas of heavy rain are advised to monitor the department’s website or call the weather forecast “1182” hotline.

SOURCES: Chiang Rai Times | Bangkok Post | Thai Meteorological Department