Ahead of Typhoon Wipha (Storm No. 3), car owners across Hanoi and northern provinces have proactively sought high, dry parking spots - turning apartment courtyards, open plazas, and sports fields into makeshift storm shelters.

As early as the evening of July 21, with forecasts warning of torrential rain and strong winds, residents in Hanoi and surrounding areas sprang into action. The top choices for parking were basement garages, multilevel car parks, and commercial centers with sturdy infrastructure. However, not everyone was lucky enough to secure a spot at such prime locations.

Many adapted by parking on open grounds at apartment complexes, elevated lots, or coordinating with others to create shared safe zones for their vehicles. In some areas, courtyards and plazas of residential projects became impromptu car parks.

At An Binh City within the Thanh Pho Giao Luu urban area in Hanoi, residents parked on the plaza to avoid potential flooding. These temporary "storm-parking zones" were also seen in VinHomes Riverside (Long Bien, Hanoi), in vacant areas of other residential blocks, and even on sports fields - selected for their open, tree-free design to minimize storm-related risks.

In Hai Phong, a large central plaza became a popular destination for car owners looking for safety from the storm. Photos shared on local forums captured cars neatly lined up in elevated areas, coordinated by residents with support from building management boards.

Experts noted that while these ad hoc solutions aren’t ideal or permanent, they reflect a commendable level of responsiveness and solidarity among vehicle owners. In extreme weather, such proactive behavior can mitigate property loss and enhance communal resilience.

However, caution remains essential. Residents are advised not to block emergency exits or park in flood-prone zones, over manholes, or too close together. Doing so may hinder drainage, cause accidental damage, or complicate post-storm vehicle retrieval.