Blog note.
Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur
leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a
combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types
of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they
could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of
these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity,
frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences
in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season
of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great
Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and
pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
(Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves
roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which
are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy
3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of
grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from
throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the
intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of
severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes,
typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual
places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records
everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This
list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and
massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this
Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are
familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like
a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.
Wipha to unload heavy rain, gusty winds on China, Vietnam into Sunday
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist August 03, 2019
Tropical Rainstorm Wipha, which formed in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, will bring the risk of flooding and locally damaging winds to the region through Sunday.
The storm made an initial landfall across China’s Leizhou Peninsula on Thursday. Wipha then tracked westward near the coast of China’s Guangxi province before making a second landfall into northern Vietnam on Saturday.
Locations from southern China into northern Vietnam, northern Laos, eastern Myanmar and far northern Thailand will need to be on alert for flooding downpours and a heightened risk for mudslides.
Heavy rainfall could reach a total of 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) across the region, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 380 mm (15 inches) possible from northern Vietnam into northern Laos.
Hanoi dodged the worst of Wipha’s wind; however, the city was lashed by more than 125 mm (5 inches) from Friday night into Saturday night. More downpours are expected through the day on Sunday.
Rainbands from Wipha lashed Hong Kong from Wednesday into Thursday bringing around 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall to the city.
The combination of downpours and frequent wind gusts of 50-65 km/h (30-40 mph) lead to the Hong Kong Observatory issuing a tropical cyclone signal 8, its third highest level, according to Reuters. The warning was lowered to an Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal on Thursday.
The education bureau closed schools on Wednesday, and authorities urged office workers to go home early.
Hong Kong’s financial markets were closed early on Wednesday before reopening on Thursday. Brief periods of intense rainfall and gusty winds continued through Friday, resulting in localized flooding and travel delays at times.
For anyone in the path of this storm, heed all advice from local government officials and evacuate if asked. Keep gas tanks filled and cell phones charged.
Despite the storm tracking away from the Philippines, bands of rain will batter western areas of Luzon, including Manila, into this weekend. Localized flooding and travel disruptions are possible each day.