Molave gained typhoon status shortly before coming onshore near Hong Kong onSaturday afternoon, EDT. From here, Molave will plow inland while weakeningquickly through the day on Saturday night and Sunday. Its high winds willdissipate whereas heavy to excessive rain will persist in a swath along thepath of Molave. Highest rainfall will be 5-10 inches by Monday.On Saturday, the worst of Molave's severe wind and storm tide were broughtto bear on the Guangdong coast not far east of Hong Kong. But the region ofHong Kong itself was spared the worst of Molave owing to the offshore winddirection that held sway as the center of Molave swept by.
Earlier, Molave pounded the Philippines on Friday. More than 20 inches ofrain fell within 24 hours at Vigan, northern Luzon Island. Widespread floodingwas triggered on this main island of the Philippines. At least five people werekilled.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologists Dave Samuhel and Jim Andrews
