The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau in Macau has officially raised the Tropical Cyclone Signal to No.8, meaning that all of the casinos must temporarily close until the storm has passed.
Six operators, the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) held a meeting on Monday, 22 September, in preparation of Ragasa making landfall in Macau.
The super typhoon is expected to bring winds of at least 180km/h (111.8mph) in Macau, with a 'high' probability of the storm being upgraded two more times to the maximum level.
Storm surges and thunderstorms are also expected.
Authorities have urged tourists to take shelter and stay away from exposed doors and windows.
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau have said that low-lying regions may be hit by flooding up to 2.5m and if Ragasa directly hits Macau, then "the possibility of issuing the Black Storm Surge Warning cannot be ruled out."
Interestingly, Grand Dragon Casino was one of the first to close today, but this was due to Melco ceasing operations as part of the company's plans to close satellite casinos, rather than closing purely for the storm.
{{QUOTE}The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau has fulfilled its supervisory powers and coordinated with various gaming companies to temporarily close places and venues where lucky gaming operations are carried out, and to make proper rest arrangements for employees and tourists{{/QUOTE}
The latest cyclone trackers predict that Macau will be hit by the edges of Ragasa, but the main path of the cyclone is still south of the jurisdiction
