No, Saola is no longer active. It dissipated or transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on 2023-09-04T00:00:00.000Z.
Saola formed on 2023-08-22T00:00:00.000Z and dissipated on 2023-09-04T00:00:00.000Z, reaching a peak intensity of tropical_depression.
Saola achieved maximum sustained winds of approximately 256 km/h (138 kt / 159 mph) and a minimum central pressure of approximately 920 hPa.
According to current track forecasts, Saola is expected to pass near Macau with a closest approach of approximately 23 km, suggesting a higher potential for direct impacts.
According to current track forecasts, Saola is expected to pass near Zhanjiang with a closest approach of approximately 30 km, suggesting a higher potential for direct impacts.
According to current track forecasts, Saola is expected to pass near Hong Kong with a closest approach of approximately 36 km, suggesting a higher potential for direct impacts.
According to current track forecasts, Saola is expected to pass near Shenzhen with a closest approach of approximately 61 km, suggesting a higher potential for direct impacts.
Projected rainfall totals of approximately 150-300 mm (6-12 inches) may occur in affected areas, creating risks of flash flooding and urban flooding.
Yes. Tropical systems carry abundant moisture, and outer rainbands can trigger flash flooding, river flooding, and urban flooding.
Adjust preparations based on the storm category and official advice. Secure outdoor items, prepare emergency supplies, keep backup power available, and follow official advisories.
Evacuation decisions must strictly follow official directives issued by local emergency management agencies. If an evacuation order is issued, evacuate immediately using designated routes. Do not rely solely on a single forecast model.
StormAtlas regularly updates based on publicly available data from international meteorological agencies. The latest data update was at August 12, 2026 at 08:08 PM.
Saola developed over warm ocean waters under conditions of high atmospheric moisture and low vertical wind shear.
The forecast path integrates data from multiple international meteorological agencies and numerical weather prediction models (such as NHC, JMA, JTWC, and CMA) using ensemble forecasting methods to generate probabilistic forecast tracks.
Storm Timeline
Saola at 19.9°N, 109.1°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 0 km/h
Saola at 20.1°N, 109.1°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 0 km/h
Saola at 20.3°N, 109.1°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 0 km/h
Saola at 20.5°N, 109.1°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 0 km/h
Saola at 20.7°N, 109.2°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 36 km/h (22 mph)
Saola at 20.9°N, 109.3°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 43 km/h (27 mph)
Saola at 21.1°N, 109.4°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 21.2°N, 109.5°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 21.2°N, 109.6°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 21.3°N, 109.9°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 21.5°N, 110.2°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 21.6°N, 110.6°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 68 km/h (42 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 111.0°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 111.5°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 97 km/h (60 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 111.6°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 101 km/h (63 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 111.8°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 104 km/h (65 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 111.9°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 90 km/h (56 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 112.1°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 112 km/h (70 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 112.2°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 119 km/h (74 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 112.3°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 126 km/h (78 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 112.5°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 130 km/h (81 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 112.6°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 133 km/h (83 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 112.8°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 108 km/h (67 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 112.9°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 140 km/h (87 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 113.0°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 148 km/h (92 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 113.1°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 151 km/h (94 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 113.2°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 113.3°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 158 km/h (98 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 113.5°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 130 km/h (81 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 113.6°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 169 km/h (105 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 113.8°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 176 km/h (109 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.0°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 184 km/h (114 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.1°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 191 km/h (119 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.3°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 198 km/h (123 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.4°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.6°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 205 km/h (127 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.8°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 205 km/h (127 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 114.9°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 115.1°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 115.3°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 115.4°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 115.6°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 22.0°N, 115.7°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 115.9°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 116.0°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 116.1°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 21.9°N, 116.2°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 116.3°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 21.8°N, 116.4°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 116.5°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 21.7°N, 116.6°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 205 km/h (127 mph)
Saola at 21.6°N, 116.7°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 205 km/h (127 mph)
Saola at 21.6°N, 116.8°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 21.5°N, 117.1°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 21.5°N, 117.3°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 184 km/h (114 mph)
Saola at 21.3°N, 117.6°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 230 km/h (143 mph)
Saola at 21.2°N, 117.8°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 21.1°N, 118.0°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 245 km/h (152 mph)
Saola at 21.0°N, 118.2°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 21.0°N, 118.4°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 245 km/h (152 mph)
Saola at 20.9°N, 118.7°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 20.8°N, 119.2°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 245 km/h (152 mph)
Saola at 20.7°N, 119.6°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 20.6°N, 120.0°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 245 km/h (152 mph)
Saola at 20.4°N, 120.3°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 20.2°N, 120.7°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 245 km/h (152 mph)
Saola at 20.1°N, 121.0°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 20.0°N, 121.4°E as Category 5 (equivalent to Category 5 Hurricane) with winds of 256 km/h (159 mph)
Saola at 19.9°N, 121.9°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 184 km/h (114 mph)
Saola at 19.6°N, 122.3°E as Category 5 (equivalent to Category 5 Hurricane) with winds of 256 km/h (159 mph)
Saola at 19.3°N, 122.7°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 19.1°N, 122.9°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 234 km/h (145 mph)
Saola at 18.9°N, 123.1°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 166 km/h (103 mph)
Saola at 18.7°N, 123.3°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 202 km/h (126 mph)
Saola at 18.5°N, 123.5°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 18.4°N, 123.6°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 184 km/h (114 mph)
Saola at 18.3°N, 123.8°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 18.1°N, 124.0°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 194 km/h (121 mph)
Saola at 17.9°N, 124.1°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 17.7°N, 124.2°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 198 km/h (123 mph)
Saola at 17.5°N, 124.2°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 17.2°N, 124.3°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 180 km/h (112 mph)
Saola at 16.8°N, 124.4°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 148 km/h (92 mph)
Saola at 16.4°N, 124.1°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 16.0°N, 123.8°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 16.0°N, 123.4°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 198 km/h (123 mph)
Saola at 16.2°N, 123.2°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 16.4°N, 123.1°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 16.5°N, 123.0°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 16.6°N, 122.9°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph)
Saola at 16.8°N, 122.9°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 17.0°N, 122.9°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 216 km/h (134 mph)
Saola at 17.2°N, 123.0°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 17.3°N, 123.0°E as Category 4 (equivalent to Category 4 Hurricane) with winds of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Saola at 17.5°N, 123.1°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 166 km/h (103 mph)
Saola at 17.8°N, 123.1°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 198 km/h (123 mph)
Saola at 18.0°N, 123.2°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph)
Saola at 18.2°N, 123.2°E as Category 3 (equivalent to Category 3 Hurricane) with winds of 184 km/h (114 mph)
Saola at 18.5°N, 123.2°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 137 km/h (85 mph)
Saola at 18.8°N, 123.3°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 173 km/h (107 mph)
Saola at 19.1°N, 123.4°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 130 km/h (81 mph)
Saola at 19.3°N, 123.5°E as Category 2 (equivalent to Category 2 Hurricane) with winds of 169 km/h (105 mph)
Saola at 19.5°N, 123.6°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 119 km/h (74 mph)
Saola at 19.6°N, 123.7°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 148 km/h (92 mph)
Saola at 19.8°N, 123.8°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 90 km/h (56 mph)
Saola at 19.8°N, 123.9°E as Category 1 (equivalent to Category 1 Hurricane) with winds of 119 km/h (74 mph)
Saola at 19.9°N, 124.0°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 83 km/h (52 mph)
Saola at 20.0°N, 124.1°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 97 km/h (60 mph)
Saola at 20.1°N, 124.2°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 72 km/h (45 mph)
Saola at 20.1°N, 124.2°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 83 km/h (52 mph)
Saola at 20.2°N, 124.3°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph)
Saola at 20.3°N, 124.5°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 83 km/h (52 mph)
Saola at 20.4°N, 124.7°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph)
Saola at 20.3°N, 124.8°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 72 km/h (45 mph)
Saola at 20.1°N, 125.0°E as Tropical Storm with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph)
Saola at 19.9°N, 125.1°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 61 km/h (38 mph)
Saola at 19.7°N, 125.2°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 19.4°N, 125.3°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 19.1°N, 125.5°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 54 km/h (34 mph)
Saola at 19.0°N, 125.7°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 50 km/h (31 mph)
Saola at 19.0°N, 125.8°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 43 km/h (27 mph)
Saola at 18.9°N, 126.0°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 43 km/h (27 mph)
Saola at 18.8°N, 126.2°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 43 km/h (27 mph)
Saola at 18.7°N, 126.3°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 43 km/h (27 mph)
Saola at 18.7°N, 126.5°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 43 km/h (27 mph)
Saola at 18.7°N, 126.7°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 40 km/h (25 mph)
Saola at 18.7°N, 126.9°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 36 km/h (22 mph)
Saola at 18.5°N, 127.2°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 32 km/h (20 mph)
Saola at 18.4°N, 127.5°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 25 km/h (16 mph)
Saola at 18.2°N, 127.8°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 25 km/h (16 mph)
Saola at 18.2°N, 128.0°E as Tropical Depression with winds of 25 km/h (16 mph)
Typhoon Saola (2023): A Retrospective Analysis
Formation and Meteorological History
Typhoon Saola, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Goring, was a powerful tropical cyclone that affected East Asia in late August and early September 2023. The storm originated from a tropical disturbance east of the Philippines on August 22. It gradually organized and was classified as a tropical depression on August 24. Saola intensified rapidly, becoming a typhoon on August 27 and reaching super typhoon status on August 29, with 1-minute sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph), equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. The storm exhibited a well-defined eye and symmetric structure. Saola tracked northwestward, passing through the Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines, then turned northward toward the coast of China. It made landfall near Huizhou, Guangdong, China, on September 2 as a Category 3 typhoon, with sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). The storm then weakened as it moved inland and dissipated over China on September 3.
Impact and Damages
China: Saola brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall to Guangdong, Fujian, and Hong Kong. In Guangdong, over 1.2 million people were evacuated. The storm caused widespread power outages, uprooted trees, and damaged buildings. Hong Kong experienced its highest storm surge in years, with flooding in low-lying areas. At least 5 deaths were reported in China, with economic losses estimated at $3.5 billion.
Philippines: Although Saola did not make landfall in the Philippines, it enhanced the southwest monsoon, causing heavy rains and flooding in Luzon. Over 100,000 people were displaced, and agricultural damage was significant. At least 2 deaths were attributed to the storm.
Taiwan: The storm brought heavy rainfall to northern and eastern Taiwan, leading to landslides and flooding. One person died, and agricultural losses were reported.
Japan: Saola's outer bands affected the Ryukyu Islands, causing strong winds and high waves. No major damage was reported.
Vietnam: The storm's remnants brought moderate rainfall to northern Vietnam, but no significant damage.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
China: The Chinese government issued red alerts for typhoon and flood risks. Massive evacuations were carried out in Guangdong and Fujian. Emergency response teams were deployed, and relief supplies were distributed. The military was mobilized to assist in rescue operations.
Philippines: The government pre-positioned relief goods and conducted preemptive evacuations. The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided assistance to affected families.
Taiwan: The Central Weather Bureau issued warnings, and local governments activated disaster response centers. Evacuations were conducted in landslide-prone areas.
International: The United Nations and other international organizations offered assistance, but China and other affected countries managed the response largely on their own.
