China: Train and ferry services suspended in Hainan July 31 /update 1

Event

As of 07:00 (local time) on Wednesday, July 31, Hainan Railway Company halted train services to and from Hainan island as Tropical Depression Eight continues to move towards the area. Several train schedules between Hainan and major cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai have been adjusted until Thursday, August 1. The Haikou Maritime Safety Administration also said that all passenger ferry services from the Qiongzhou Strait will be suspended as of 07:00 on Wednesday.

The storm is forecast to hit Hainan province and Guangdong province on Wednesday, July 31, into Thursday, August 1. As of early (local time) Wednesday, the center of the storm was located near 18.2°N, 113.3°E, with the system packing maximum sustained winds of 56 kph (35 mph) and moving west-northwestward at 13 kph (8 mph).

Heavy rainfall, flooding, and consequent transportation and business disruptions are possible in Hainan and Guangdong provinces over the coming hours and days.  

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.