In 2006, Shantou was hit by a strong typhoon Pearl, which was the first tropical cyclone named in the typhoon season in the Pacific Ocean. The name Pearl was provided by Macao. It is a hard and smooth substance produced by mollusks (mainly oysters).

According to the forecast of Shantou Meteorological Observatory, Pearl is expected to land in the coastal area from Shanwei to Raoping in the evening of May 17, and attack Shantou head-on. This is the biggest typhoon that hit Shantou in May in 57 years. The Meteorological Observatory issued a yellow signal on the evening of May 16 and a red signal at noon on May 17. However, due to the rapid weakening of the typhoon, Shantou Meteorological Observatory cancelled the red typhoon signal and the black rainstorm signal at 5: 40 am on May 18. In the morning, the local sunshine occasionally appears.