15 Sep 2024 | 08:23 AM UTC
East China Sea: Typhoon Bebinca tracking west-northwestward towards Shanghai, China, as of Sept. 15 /update 8
Typhoon Bebinca tracking west-northwestward in the East China Sea Sept. 15. Landfall forecast near Shanghai, China, early Sept. 16.
Typhoon Bebinca is tracking west-northwestward across the East China Sea towards the east coast of China on Sept. 15. As of 14:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 441 km (274 miles) east-southeast of Shanghai, China.
Forecast models indicate the system will strengthen slightly before making landfall near Shanghai early Sept. 16. After landfall, Bebinca is forecast to weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks west-northwestward across southern Jiangsu Province Sept. 16 before weakening further into a tropical depression and dissipating as it moves over Anhui Province Sept. 17. 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 across parts of southeastern Anhui, southern Jiangsu, Shanghai, and northern Zhejiang, with rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) possible across parts of the affected area.
China's Ministry of Water Resources issued a Level-IV emergency response (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) for flooding across Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui on Sept. 14. Some flights were canceled or rescheduled at Shanghai airports on Sept. 15. Passenger shipping lines are scheduled to be suspended in Shanghai from 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.
