China: Tropical Storm Jongdari expected to hit Shanghai August 2-4

Event

Tropical Storm Jongdari is expected to re-strengthen as it moves eastward toward Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The warm waters of the East China Sea will allow the storm to gain strength, becoming a strong tropical storm or possibly a typhoon, before it makes landfall again on the evening (local time) of Thursday, August 2. There is a high risk of flooding and damaging winds to Shanghai and the immediate surrounding areas beginning August 2 and lasting through Saturday, August 4. Should the storm track southward toward Zhejiang province, it may lose strength more quickly over the mountainous terrain. However, this would also bring a higher likelihood of mudslides.

Context

Jongdari hit central Japan as a typhoon on Saturday, July 28, injuring at least 24 people and causing power disruptions to thousands of residents. The storm subsequently weakened as it headed southwest across the country before entering the East China Sea.

Typhoons and tropical storms regularly make landfall in China and Japan from June through November after gathering strength in the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas of China or planning on traveling to Shanghai and nearby regions are advised to monitor weather conditions until August 4 and be prepared for transportation disruptions, as well as obey instructions issued by local authorities.