Typhoon Mangkhut: The Wild Ride that Turned Hong Kong & Southern China into a Wild Storm Party
On the Thursday that ended September 16th, Typhoon Mangkhut brought its thunderous flair to Hong Kong and the southern coast of China after already wreaking havoc in the Philippines. The storm punched through the skies with winds that could strip a car from a highway and waves that sent 12‑meter waves crashing against docks like a giant surfboard.
Social Media Goes Viral When the Wind Takes Over
Local netizens burst onto Twitter and WeChat recording the chaos. Scaffolding would fall like a toddler’s block tower, papers and documents were tossed around like a frantic piñata, and the streets became a battlefield of damp, wind‑blown chaos.
- Heavy rain and gale-force winds ripped through sidewalks and shattered windows.
- Buildings felt the wind so strongly that structural supports fluttered like nervous hummingbirds.
- People were seen holding onto anything that could mitigate the invisible battering.
Shark‑Bite Waves in Shenzhen: The “Sheraton Dameisha” Story
At the Sheraton Dameisha Resort in Shenzhen, guests watched in disbelief as waves from the beach surged in like a rogue tide. At around 9 am a one‑meter swell tied into the hotel’s pool, and by 11 am the storm had turned the open patio into a natural bathtub. A Canadian guest, Matt Bossons, told The Straits Times that water reached a staggering 3‑meter height by mid‑morning.
“We’re all a bit worried about the storm’s power, but honestly, my family and I feel safe in here,” Bossons said, adding that the staff were surprisingly accommodating. Guests were diagnosed apparently by a visit to the Imperial Guest Room for a drink (because everyone needed the chance to hydrate). In a snappy exchange, the journalist expressed confidence in the hotel’s safety measures and highlighted the helpfulness of the staff.
What People Reference as the Storm’s Worst Sufferings
- Waves and storm surges flooding the atrium.
- Power lines cut by the wind.
- Unexpected puddles on already slick sidewalks.
- The alarming climb of water around the edges of river bridges.
Where It All Began: A Forsaken Path to Panic
So, what was the opening act? Mangkhut slammed its way across the Philippines, racking up dozens of casualties. Then, a new chapter of calamity brought the mainland of China into the lineup. Lightning, wind, and out-of-control rage prevailed, leaving citizens to band together to keep their doors closed against watery invaders.
Getting a Glimpse of the Storm’s Fury
Forget the usual weather footage. Try instead to watch people cover their ears and avoid stepping into a puddle that suddenly turns into a sandy ditch. It is a roller‑coaster moving from calm to inescapable maddening faster than a ringtone loop.
Takeaway: When a Storm Comes Through
Note to readers: if the rain starts to feel like a mess of emotional restraint—think of the great waves, the coughs, and the pothounds—be sure to keep your phone charged, because every little moment is an excellent opportunity to brag about your survival skills on social media.
