Shanghai has taken extensive precautions as it prepares for Typhoon Bebinca, which is expected to be the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the city since 1949. The Category 1 typhoon, with wind speeds of around 144 kph (89 mph), was approximately 400 km southeast of Shanghai as of 5:00 p. m. (0900 GMT) and is predicted to make landfall along China’s eastern coast after midnight on Monday.
In response, Shanghai has halted transportation links, recalled ships, and closed major tourist attractions, including the Shanghai Disney Resort. All flights from the city’s airports will be canceled starting at 8 p.m. local time, with further adjustments expected based on the typhoon’s impact. The Shanghai railway station has suspended some services, and train routes to and from Shanghai have been stopped. Several resorts and ferries in the area have also been closed or suspended.
Maximum winds from Typhoon #Bebinca could reach 120 km/h as the system makes landfall over Shanghai early Monday 🌀 #台风 #台風13号 pic.twitter.com/umyPoNW7Fd
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 15, 2024
The China Meteorological Administration issued a red alert for the typhoon, warning of strong winds and heavy rainfalls. This storm is notable as Shanghai usually avoids the most severe typhoons that affect southern China. The last significant storm to directly impact Shanghai was Typhoon Gloria in 1949. More recent threats, like Typhoon Muifa in 2022, veered away from Shanghai.
The arrival of Typhoon Bebinca will coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a period when many Chinese travel or participate in outdoor activities. In anticipation of possible flooding, China’s Ministry of Water Resources has issued a Level-IV emergency response for Shanghai and surrounding provinces.
