BEIJING — Authorities in eastern China have closed schools and suspended water-related activities as Typhoon Dolphin approaches the coast, with forecasters warning of heavy rain, flooding and landslides in Zhejiang, northern Fujian and Shanghai.
The typhoon was expected to make landfall between Zhejiang's Zhoushan and Fujian's Fuding from late Sunday into Monday, according to China's National Meteorological Center. The storm had maximum sustained winds of about 162 kph, with stronger gusts, as it moved toward the Chinese coast.
Ningbo, one of Zhejiang's largest cities, ordered schools and other educational facilities to close over the weekend as part of preparations for the storm, while authorities halted water-based activities and secured vessels at the city's port. About 800 ships had been docked in Ningbo ahead of the typhoon, according to local authorities cited by state media and other reports.
Authorities have also closed tourist attractions in parts of Zhejiang and suspended ferries and cruises as the storm approached. China raised its emergency response for the typhoon to Level III, while Zhejiang and other coastal areas issued warnings over flooding, landslides and mountain torrents.
Forecasts called for rainfall of roughly 200 to 400 mm in affected areas over the coming days, with some locations potentially receiving heavier bursts. Officials warned that prolonged rainfall could increase the risk of flooding and geological disasters after the storm moves inland.
Shanghai was also preparing for the storm, with port operations disrupted and flights affected. Shanghai's Yangshan port had moved vessels to safety before the typhoon's arrival, while authorities imposed additional transport restrictions across parts of the Yangtze River Delta.
Dolphin had earlier passed through Japan's southern Okinawa region, where six people were injured and power was disrupted for more than 50,000 buildings, according to Japanese authorities cited by Reuters. Airlines also canceled flights in the region.
Chinese authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation and safety instructions as the typhoon approached. The latest forecasts indicated that Dolphin would weaken after moving inland, but could continue to bring significant rainfall across central and southwestern parts of the country.
