China: Tropical Storm Bebinca to bring heavy rain to southern China August 14-16

Event

Typhoon Bebinca, also known as 20W, is expected to slowly move north and west across coastal Guangdong and Guangxi as well as northern Hainan from Tuesday, August 14, through Thursday, August 16. The storm's slow path will result in heavy rain across the affected area as far east as Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou. Northern Hainan and the Leizhou peninsula will be particularly affected and is forecast to receive 10 to 20 cm (4-8 in) of rain. Bebinca is currently moving at approximately 7.5 km/h (4.6 mph) north-northeast and is expected to continue that pace as it changes directions to track westward along the coast. The storm has sustained winds of 75 km/h (46 mph) with gusts of up to 92 km/h (57 mph) and is forecast to weaken only slightly over the next several days.

Context

Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the western Pacific and South China Sea from June through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.