15 Sep 2024 | 12:47 AM UTC
East China Sea: Typhoon Bebinca tracking northwestward across the East China Sea away from Amami Islands, Japan, as of early Sept. 15 /update 7
Typhoon Bebinca tracking northwestward in the East China Sea early Sept. 15. Landfall forecast over Shanghai, China, early Sept. 16.
Typhoon Bebinca is tracking northwestward across the East China Sea away from the Amami Islands, Japan, early Sept. 15, following landfall over southern Amami Oshima late Sept. 14. As of 03:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 685 km (426 miles) east-southeast of Shanghai, China.
Forecast models indicate the system strengthen further as it tracks northwestward across the East China Sea toward southeastern China through Sept. 15 before making landfall over Shanghai early Sept. 16. After landfall, Bebinca is forecast to weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks northwestward across southern Jiangsu Province Sept. 16 before weakening into a tropical depression over Anhui Province early Sept. 17 and dissipating as it moves over far southeastern Henan Province early Sept. 18. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
The China Meteorological Administration has issued an orange typhoon warning (the second highest level on a four-tier scale), advising of strong winds over the East China Sea and coastal areas of northeastern Zhejiang, Shanghai, and southeastern Jiangsu and heavy rainfall totaling around 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) over southern Jiangsu, northern Zhejiang, and Shanghai Sept. 15.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast 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 path of the storm, 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.
