China: Rainstorms in central and southern regions May 25-26 /update 1

Event

Operations at Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) international airports are heavily disrupted as of Friday, May 25. Hundreds of flights have been delayed or canceled due to ongoing heavy rainstorms. Disruptions could continue through May 26, as Chinese authorities have issued adverse weather warnings for central and southern regions of the country, set to remain in effect until 08:00 (local time) on May 26. Impacted areas include Anhui, Chongqing, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Shanghai. Some areas could receive up to 16 cm (6 in) of precipitation. Localized flooding and landslides are possible. Consequent road and other transportation disruptions (including hazardous driving conditions, road closures, and flight delays and cancelations) cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Individuals traveling through SHA and PVG are advise to contact their airline. Individuals present in the above-mentioned areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. 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; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.