15 Aug 2018 | 07:10 PM UTC
China/Vietnam/Laos/Myanmar: Tropical Storm Bebinca makes landfall in Zhanjiang August 15 /update 1
Tropical Storm Bebinca lands in Zhanjiang August 15; heavy rains forecast, with associated flooding, and mudslides possible in affected areas
Event
Tropical Storm Bebinca, also known as 20W, made landfall in Zhanjiang (Guangdong province) at approximately 21:40 (local time) on Wednesday, August 15. Heavy rains associated with the storm are expected in coastal Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces (as far east as Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou) through Thursday, August 16. Northern Hainan and the Leizhou peninsula will be particularly affected and are forecast to receive 10-20 cm (4-8 in) of rain. Flooding and mudslides are also possible in the affected areas. Bebinca is currently moving west at approximately 14.5 km/h (9 mph). The storm has sustained winds of 85 km/h (53 mph) and is forecast to weaken only slightly over the next several days.
The storm has caused transportation disruptions in southeastern China. Over two dozen flights from Macau International Airport (MFM) were reportedly canceled on Tuesday, August 14, and Wednesday, August 15. Additionally, maritime transport in the Macau region has been temporarily suspended, and bridges connecting Macau to the mainland have been closed due to flooding. China issued a yellow typhoon alert (the third-highest level) on August 14.
Bebinca is expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar from Thursday, August 16. Vietnamese officials forecast rainfall of 30-40 cm (8-12 in) in Thanh Hóa, Nghe An, and Hà Tĩnh provinces, with the potential for locally higher totals. Flood and landslide warnings have also been issued for Yên Bái, Hà Giang, Lai Châu, Son La, and Hòa Binh provinces. Laos and Myanmar are expected to receive heavy rainfall from Friday, August 17, and associated flooding and mudslides are possible.
Context
Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the western Pacific and the South China Sea from June through November.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by 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; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
