China: Adverse weather forecast in eastern and southern regions through at least April 5

Event

Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are forecast across parts of eastern and southern China through at least April 5. As of April 3, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) strong convective weather warning for parts of eastern Hubei, western and eastern Hunan, central and western Jiangxi, southeastern Chongqing, eastern Guizhou, northeastern Guangxi, southern Anhui, and central Jiangsu provinces late April 3-4. The storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail, as well as heavy downpours with rainfall totals of 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches). A blue rainstorm warning has been issued for the Shandong Peninsula, most of Jiangsu, eastern and southern Anhui, eastern Hubei, southern and northern Hunan, central and northern Jiangxi, southwestern Zhejiang, northwestern Fujian, northeastern Guangxi, and northwestern Guangxi provinces. Rainfall totals of 10-13 cm (4-5 inches) are possible across parts of the affected area, with the heaviest rainfall likely in parts of northern Jiangxi. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Yellow landslide warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) have been issued in parts of northwestern Jiangxi, southeastern Hubei, and northeastern and northeastern Guangxi provinces. Strong winds will also likely generate rough seas on coastal waters off eastern China. Orange and yellow strong winds at sea warnings (the highest and middle levels on a three-tier scale) have been issued for the Bohai Sea and Strait and blue warnings for the Yellow Sea and northwestern part of the East China Sea April 3-5. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are also possible, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Landslides could result in structures being damaged or destroyed. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or other roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays, as well as potential supply chain disruptions, where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

China Meteorological Administration
China Ministry of Water Resources