Typhoon Baituntun Nears Zhejiang, Fujian Landfall
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
China has raised its typhoon warning as Typhoon Baituntun closes in on the Zhejiang-Fujian coast, with forecasters expecting possible landfall as early as tomorrow evening. Coastal authorities in Zhejiang have moved into emergency mode, suspending shipping, halting port operations and preparing phased shutdowns in several cities.
Key Points
- The Central Meteorological Observatory issued an orange typhoon warning early today, forecasting maximum winds of force 14 to 15 near the storm’s centre.
- Forecasters said Baituntun could strengthen further while crossing the East China Sea and may later turn westward or northward after landfall.
- At 1pm on August 8, the storm was about 465 kilometres east-southeast of Wenzhou, with its outer spiral cloud bands already covering Hangzhou.
- Ningbo urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary, while Wenzhou and Taizhou announced phased “five suspensions” covering classes, work, business, transport and outdoor gatherings.
- Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration activated a top-level coastal typhoon response, stopping all port production, 162 passenger ferry routes, 316 passenger vessels and 193 marine construction projects.
Why It Matters
The storm’s projected track and long life cycle mean its impact may extend well beyond the initial landfall zone, with heavy rain also possible inland after the system weakens. For Hong Kong readers, the case shows how major mainland coastal shutdowns can quickly spread from shipping and ferries to rail, urban transport and market operations when a strong typhoon approaches.