The tropical cyclone was expected to make landfall in mainland China later on Sunday with winds equivalent to those of a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane.

High winds and rain whipped the southern Chinese territory, with waves crashing against the shores of Hong Kong. But as of early Sunday there are no reports of injuries or major damage.

BEIJING (Reuters) -Hong Kong issued its highest storm warning on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha, packing winds of more than 167 kilometres (103 miles) per hour, brought heavy rain and wind across the territory,