10 Nov 2024 | 03:11 AM UTC
South China Sea: Typhoon Yinxing tracking southwestward as of early Nov. 10, with close approach to Hainan Province, China, through early Nov. 11 /update 7
Typhoon Yinxing tracking southwestward over South China Sea early Nov. 10. Close approach to Hainan Province, China, through early Nov. 11.
Typhoon Yinxing (known in the Philippines as Marce) is tracking southwestward in the northern South China Sea early Nov. 10. As of 11:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 616 km (383 miles) east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks southwestward off the coast of Hainan Province, China, through Nov. 11, passing southeast of the island. Yinxing is forecast to weaken further into a tropical depression as it tracks southwestward over the South China Sea and makes landfall over Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, early Nov. 12 before dissipating over Daklak Province early Nov. 13. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Nov. 10, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow (second-lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; heavy rainfall of 2.5-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) is forecast over the eastern coast of Hainan Province, while strong winds are likely over the coasts of Fujian, Hainan, and Guangdong provinces. Authorities will likely update and extend the coverage of the weather advisories over the coming days as the storm approaches.
All passenger trains across Hainan are suspended Nov. 10-11. Some passenger trains departing from Hainan Nov. 9 and some entering Hainan Nov. 12 are also suspended. Authorities have warned that the ports in Haikou City in Hainan Province may be closed Nov. 11. Some train services in Guangdong and Guangzhou are also suspended or have shortened routes Nov. 8-11.
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, rendering 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.
