China’s national observatory issued a red alert on Sunday. This is the highest level in its typhoon warning system. Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on the country’s eastern coast in Zhejiang province.
Authorities also upgraded the emergency response for severe weather disasters from Level III to Level II.
The National Meteorological Centre reported that the typhoon came ashore along the east coast between Sanmen in Zhejiang and Fuding in Fujian on Sunday afternoon. It warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and a wide impact area in the coming days. Several eastern and northern regions are likely to face effects.
Chief forecaster Wang Haiping explained the need for high alert. The typhoon brings intense rainfall, covers a large area, and will last for a long time. From Sunday to Wednesday, heavy downpours are expected across northern Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, eastern Hubei, central and eastern Henan, and southern Shandong. Some areas in central and eastern Zhejiang and southern Anhui may experience severe torrential rain.
Coastal areas of East China and the East China Sea must prepare for gale-force winds. From Sunday to Tuesday, most parts of the East China Sea, Hangzhou Bay, the coastal areas of Zhejiang, and the Yangtze River Estuary are forecast to see winds of Force 9 to 12. Gusts could reach Force 11 to 14. Near the typhoon’s centre, gusts may hit Force 15 to 16.
The centre also urged provinces to guard against secondary disasters from persistent heavy rain. Risks of mountain torrents, geological disasters, and flash floods in small and medium-sized rivers remain relatively high in Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, and Hebei. Some cities face a high risk of urban waterlogging.
Typhoon Dolphin is expected to move north-westward and gradually weaken after landfall. After Wednesday, the weakened remnant vortex will turn northward. A typhoon’s landfall does not end its impact. The system will continue to push further inland. From Thursday to Sunday, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, northern Shandong, and Liaoning are likely to receive heavy rain. Some places may see severe torrential downpours.
Overall, Chinese authorities have raised both the typhoon warning and emergency response levels. Forecasts point to strong winds, heavy rain, and risks of flooding and related disasters across several regions through the coming week.