By July 31, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) classified the system as Tropical Depression 07W.

A strong subtropical ridge located to the north of the depression led to a west-northwest movement for most of the storm existence.

The next day, after crossing into the South China Sea, the depression was upgraded to a tropical storm and named Prapiroon.

The typhoon maintained this intensity until shortly before landfall near Shangyang, China at 12:00 UTC on August 3, where it weakened to a severe tropical storm.

Significant flight delays and cancellations in Hong Kong led to $1.9 million in compensation pay to travelers.

Satellite imagery indicated that a low level circulation had developed and was under an area of light to moderate wind shear.

[5] Shortly after, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) designated the system as Tropical Depression Henry.

[6] As the depression neared the northern Philippines, wind shear increased, partially exposing the center of the system to the south.

[9] Upon first becoming a tropical cyclone, the depression tracked towards the west-northwest due to a strong subtropical ridge located to the north of the system.

[10] After being over land for most of July 31, the depression relocated into the South China Sea and the JTWC determined that it intensified into a tropical storm.

[15] Prapiroon maintained this intensity for 12 hours before weakening slightly as it made landfall near Shangyang at 12:00 UTC.

Early on August 5, both agencies issued their final advisories on Prapiroon as it dissipated over central Guangxi.

[19] In advance of Prapiroon, government officials in Guangdong Province, China sent out 11 million mobile text messages to alert people of the approaching storm.

[23] The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and Macau's Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau both hoisted strong wind signal 1 on August 1 as the system was located within 800 km (497 mi) of their respective cities.

[19][25][26] As a tropical depression, Prapiroon caused heavy rains over the northern Philippines, leaving six people dead.

[27] Despite weakening to a severe tropical storm before landfall, Prapiroon brought torrential rains and flooding which left 88 people dead and eight others missing.

[31] As Prapiroon neared Hong Kong, thousands of people were stranded in airports as hundreds of flights in and out of the area were cancelled.

Despite the damage in the wake of the typhoon, China's Ministry of Civil Affairs did not activate any emergency response plans.