A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that develops in the northwestern Pacific Ocean (the same phenomenon occurring in the Atlantic Ocean is called a hurricane). It feels like "strong winds". 

Many Asian-Pacific countries, including China, Japan, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, are commonly affected by typhoons. Multiple cyclones can develop at the same time to cause prolonged and severe damage (this is actually quite common -- nearly every two years there will be three cyclones happened at the same time). Every country in the typhoon-affected areas pays great efforts in forecasting typhoons and getting prepared to reduce the harm. 

Typhoons come with many potential hazards. People walking or biking in the strong winds can lose balance and fall. In extreme conditions, the storms can blow a person on a bike (or even in a car) up into the air and lead to unwanted consequences. Dust and particles fluttering in the air reduce visibility for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. Every year, several injuries and deaths happen that result from being hit by somethings (e.g. fragments of a broken window, thick tree branches) falling from high in the air. 

Above all, there is one thing to remember - NEVER having any outdoor activities when there are typhoons! 

Macau Photo Agency (n.d.). Typhoon Higos hits Macau. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1597816723843-369061b5b402Links to an external site. 

*Tips of the City

Typhoon warnings in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) are classified into five levels (white[V], blue[VI], yellow[III], orange[II], and red[I]). Be careful that unlike the common hurricane scale in North American (where Level Five is the most severe), Level I (red) is the most severe weather hazard warning in China. However, the warnings are much more commonly referred by their "colours". 

According to [GBT 19201-2006] Grade of Tropical Cyclones (2006) and Guidance on the Release and Dissemination of Meteorological Disaster Warning Signals (2007): 

Meteorological Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. (n.d.). Weather warnings and signals. Retrieved March 23, 2021, from http://weather.sz.gov.cn/en/en_warmweather/index.html

• WHITE (only in Guangdong Province): incoming tropical cyclone is observed; might be affected; NO restrictions; 
• BLUE: have been impacted / possibly be impacted by within 24 hours; average wind strength > 6 or continuous  gust winds with strength > 8; restricted outdoor activities; 
• YELLOW: have been impacted / possibly be impacted by within 24 hours; average wind strength > 8 or continuous gust winds with strength > 10; stopped outdoor & indoor activities; cancelled schooldays; stay away from the coast; 
• ORANGE: have been impacted / possibly be impacted by within 12 hours; average wind strength > 10 or continuous gust winds with strength > 12; prohibited outdoor & indoor activities; cancelled schooldays; stay away from the coast; flash floods; 
• RED: have been impacted / possibly be impacted by within 6 hours; average wind strength > 12 or continuous gust winds with strength > 14; prohibited outdoor & indoor activities; cancelled schooldays; stay away from the coast; flash floods; consider consolidating/removing buildings;