China: Typhoon rains in south through August 1 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Haitang made landfall in the city of Fuqing (Fujian province) at 02:50 (local time) on Monday, July 31, exacerbating the effects of Typhoon Nesat, which landed in the same city at 06:00 on Sunday, July 30. Haitang is packing sustained winds of nearly 65 km/h (40 mph). The two typhoons brought heavy rainstorms to the southern province, with rainfall exceeding 5 cm (2 in) within 24 hours in various places; Yongtai county was the worst hit, with 17 cm (6.5 in) of precipitation recorded.

Over 200,000 people were evacuated on Sunday across the province.

The Chinese Meteorological Center issued a “blue” typhoon warning on Monday, July 31, for most of Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Guangdong, and Shandong provinces. Up to 20 cm (8 in) of rain is expected in the provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi through August 1. Strong gales are expected to continue through August 1 off the coasts of Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Jiangsu, as well as in the Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze Estuary. Floods are possible in low-lying areas; mountainous areas are at risk of landslides. Associated transportation disruptions are possible.

Context

The tropical storm and typhoon season in the western Pacific Ocean typically runs from May to October.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to confirm travel reservations, to keep abreast of weather forecasts, and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.