Typhoon expected to land in southern China on Sunday

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01:57

Typhoon Mangkhut, the 22nd of the season, is expected to be the strongest to hit China this year.

Forecasters say the storm is likely to start affecting Hong Kong on Sunday and make its way to the southern provinces of Hainan and Guangdong.

China has launched a second-level emergency response for Mangkhut.

"This typhoon is moving very fast and is very powerful and big," said Lin Liangxun, chief forecaster at the Guangdong Meteorological Service. "It is likely to be the strongest typhoon to land in China this year. It will land on the weekend, so we are reminding the public to stay aware and get prepared."

A fishing boat goes into harbor ahead of the arrival of typhoon Mangkhut, in Hong Kong, September 15, 2018. /VCG Photo

Ferry services in China's southern Qiongzhou Strait have been halted.

Over 6,000 boats have been called back to harbor in Guangdong. All construction sites have been shut down, while over 3,000 offshore platform workers have been evacuated.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said it had made all the preparations it can.

Cheng Cho-Ming of the Hong Kong Observatory said, "Typhoon Mangkhut will bring strong gales and downpours along with storm surges, which is likely to lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Because of the heavy downpour, the region will see serious waterlogging."

Workers dismantle bamboo scaffolding before the expected arrival of typhoon Mangkhut in Macao, September 15, 2018. /VCG Photo

Flood barriers have been installed in Hong Kong. An emergency monitoring and support center will be activated and 48 temporary shelters will be opened.

Meanwhile, Mangkhut has sent strong waves crashing into Taiwan's eastern coast. One local tourist was reported missing and may have drowned.

Typhoons are common in the region at this time of year, picking up strength as they cross warm Pacific waters, bringing fierce winds and rain.

Mangkhut is expected to be among the more destructive of the storms. Southern Chinese provinces have called on residents to brace for torrential rain, floods and landslides.