China: Typhoon Muifa makes landfall over Zhejiang Province late Sept, 14 and tracking north-northwestward towards Shanghai /update 8

Event

Typhoon Muifa made landfall near Zhoushan in Zheijang Province at around 20:30 CST Sept. 14 and is tracking north-northwestward towards Shanghai as of late Sept. 14. As of 20:00, the system's center of circulation was approximately 169 km (105 miles) south-southeast of Shanghai, China.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will continue to track north-northwestward across Hangzhou Bay and make a further landfall over Shanghai Municipality late Sept. 14-early Sept. 15. The system is then forecast to weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks north-northwestward across coastal regions of eastern Jiangsu Province Sept. 15. The storm is then expected to turn to track north-northeastwards as it crosses the far western Yellow Sea before making another landfall over eastern Shandong Province late Sept. 15-early Sept. 16. Muifa is expected to track across the Bohai Straight Sept. 16 and make landfall over far southern Liaoning Province late Sept. 16 before dissipating over southern Liaoning close to the border with North Korea Sept. 17. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Sept. 14, the China Meteorological Administration had issued a red typhoon warning (the highest level on a four-tier scale), cautioning that strong winds are forecast over many eastern coastal waters, as well as Shanghai and coastal areas of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shandong through at least late Sept. 15. A yellow rainstorm warning is in place. Heavy rainfall is likely in parts of northern Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, central and eastern Shandong, and the Liaodong Peninsula, with the heaviest downpours likely over northeastern Jiangsu, western Shandong Peninsula, and the southwestern Liaodong Peninsula. Rainfall totals of 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) are possible over parts of the affected area and downpours may be accompanied by thunderstorm activity.

Additionally, flood warnings are in place for southern Liaoning, eastern Shandong, eastern Jiangsu, and eastern Zhejiang provinces. Landslide warnings are in effect over parts of southern Liaoning, southeastern Shandong, southern and northeastern Jiangsu, central and northern Zhejiang, and southeastern Anhui provinces, with the highest risk over parts of northeastern Zhejiang Province. Officials will likely issue relevant weather alerts and warnings over the coming days as the system progresses.

As of Sept. 14, authorities in Zhejiang Province have relocated more than 1.1 million people at risk ahead of the approach of the storm. Authorities have ordered all fishing vessels to return to port. More than 11,000 commercial vessels are sheltering in ports across the province, including Zhoushan, Ningbo, and Taizhou ports. Authorities have also suspended passenger ship routes. Schools in Ningbo, Zhoushan, and Taizhou cities are suspended Sept. 14.

Shanghai authorities have suspended all port operations from early Sept. 14 as well as some train services in the Yangtze River Delta region in advance of the storm. Some shipping services, including the high-speed ships between Chongming and Baoyang and between Baozhen and Baoyang, are also suspended.

Flights at both Zhousan Airport (HSN) and Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NSB) in Zheijang Province have been canceled Sept. 14. Authorities canceled all flights at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) late Sept. 14 after hundreds of flights had earlier been canceled throughout the day.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at other regional airports and temporary closures of ports may occur. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast typhoon or tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the storm's path, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
China Meteorological Administration