China: Severe weather forecast to continue across southern regions through at least May 1 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of southern China through at least May 1. The heaviest rainfall is expected April 24-26 and 28-30. As of April 22, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued the following warnings:

• Yellow rain warnings (the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of Guangdong, southeastern Guangxi, southern Fujian, northeastern Hebei, and western Liaoning provinces. The heaviest rainfall of up to 17 cm (7 inches) of rainfall is forecast across Guangdong Province.

• Blue severe convective weather warnings: Parts of eastern Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, southern Guizhou, central and southern Hebei, northern Henan, southern Jiangxi, Shandong, southern Tianjin, and southern Zhejiang provinces.

• Flood warnings: Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) warnings are in effect across parts of central and eastern Guangdong Province, and yellow warnings are in effect across central, northern, and eastern Guangdong and eastern Guangxi provinces.

• Landslide warnings: Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) warnings across parts of central and northern Guangdong Province and yellow warnings across most of Guangdong, eastern Guangxi, and southern Jiangxi provinces.

Heavy rainfall since April 12 has resulted in flooding across southern China. The Beijiang River overflowed late April 20. Authorities evacuated over 82,500 people across Guangdong Province, including almost 45,000 people in Qingyuan City. At least 1.16 million people across the province were without power; authorities restored electricity in most areas April 21. At least 11 people across the province are missing as of April 22. Landslides injured six people in Jiangwan Town and trapped several others.

Flight disruptions are ongoing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), Zhuhai International Airport (ZUH), and Foshan Shadi Airport (FUO). Guangzhou Railway suspended at least 126 trains April 20-21 and 17 trains from April 22.

Qingyuan and Shaoguan cities also banned ships from traveling through several rivers, including the Bei and Dong rivers. More than 1,100 schools across Qingyuan, Shaoguan, and Zhaoqing cities suspended classes April 22.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Further landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities will likely continue to issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are probable where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will probably cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will likely temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will probably trigger further flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the east coast. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are probable in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.