The most powerful tropical cyclone of the year, Super Typhoon Ragasa stuck Hong Kong on Wednesday, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall.

In Taiwan, the storm has resulted in the deaths of 14 people due to severe flooding and overflowing rivers.

In eastern Hualien County, a barrier lake overflowed, inundating a town with rushing water as Ragasa’s outer bands lashed the island. Since Monday, Taiwan has experienced torrential rains from the storm.

Hong Kong faced significant impacts as massive waves crashed over its eastern and southern coastlines, flooding roads and residential areas. Videos on social media showed seawater surging into the Fullerton Hotel, while the waterfront promenade in Tseung Kwan O was submerged.

The Hong Kong Observatory warned that areas previously sheltered could become exposed, predicting “phenomenal” seas as Ragasa with winds reaching up to 200kph (124mph) approached the city, located about 100km (60 miles) from the storm’s center.

Ragasa is expected to maintain its super typhoon status as it moves toward China’s Guangdong province, home to over 125 million people, where it is projected to make landfall around midday.

The typhoon has triggered panic buying in Hong Kong, with residents flocking to supermarkets and queuing for hours to stock up essentials. Many taped their windows in preparation for potential damage.

Hong Kong issued a signal 10 warning, its highest alert level, early Wednesday, calling for businesses and transportation to shutdown. Authorities also issued an Amber rainstorm signal, warning of continued heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas.

Warnings of rising sea levels similar to those experienced during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 were also used. The observatory projected water levels could reach around four meters (13 feet) by noon.

A tragic incident occurred when a woman and her 5-year-old son were swept into the ocean while observing the storm from the waterfront. They are currently in intensive care after being rescued. The government has opened 49 temporary shelters, housing 727 individuals seeking safety.

In Macau, authorities issued the No. 10 warning signal forcing casinos to close their gambling areas as guests remain unable to leave their properties.

In Guangdong, over 770,000 people have been evacuated, with schools and transport services shutdown and flights cancelled at major airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

China’s marine authority has issued its highest ‘red’ wave warning, anticipating storm surges of up to 2.8meters (9feet) in parts of the province.

The emergency management ministry has dispatched tens of thousands of tents and rescue supplies in response to the approaching typhoon.