2nd storm in a week batters southern China

HONG KONG — A second tropical storm in days swept into southern China on Sunday, lashing Hong Kong and Macau with heavy rain and strong wind as the region reels from the strongest typhoon in decades that left at least 22 dead.

Severe Tropical Storm Pakhar made landfall west of the Chinese casino hub of Macau in the early morning, packing maximum sustained winds of 90 kilometres (55 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 106 kph (65 mph).

Forecasters in Hong Kong and Macau raised a storm signal two notches below the maximum, forcing the city to mostly shut down. Ferry operators halted services and airlines delayed or cancelled some flights.

The storm is expected to move farther inland and gradually weaken later Sunday.