Tropical Storm Higos (2020)

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Severe Tropical Storm Higos (Helen) formed on August 16, 2020, north of Luzon and quickly strengthened. It became a tropical storm on August 17 and reached strong tropical storm status as it moved toward southern China. Higos made landfall near Zhuhai, Guangdong at peak intensity early on August 19 and weakened quickly after landfall. The storm dissipated on August 20 in Guizhou.

Peak winds were about 110 km/h (70 mph) with a central pressure near 988–992 hPa, according to different agencies. Higos affected Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

In Vietnam, Higos caused 7 deaths and about 45 billion đồng (roughly US$2 million) in damages. In China, there were no fatalities, but damages were over US$140 million.

Hong Kong and Macau issued strong warnings: Hong Kong’s No. 9 tropical cyclone signal and Macao’s No. 10 signal. About 65,000 people were evacuated, and schools were closed. There were power outages in Meizhou, and two campers on Tap Mun Island were rescued.