Typhoon Dolphin Threatens Central China with Extreme Rainfall

Typhoon Dolphin advanced into central China’s Hubei province on Tuesday. Its impact prompted authorities to close tourist sites and halt construction projects. Forecasters warned of severe rainfall risks, especially in the province’s northwest mountain regions.

This typhoon, the year’s strongest in China, traveled over 3,700 miles before coming ashore last weekend. It heavily impacted the eastern coast and brought a vast spread of clouds.

Hubei, a central hub for the automotive and high-tech electronics industry, houses over 58 million residents. Recently, it faced two rare tornadoes following Typhoon Maysak, which resulted in 11 fatalities.

On Tuesday, the National Meteorological Center renewed its orange rain alert, the second-highest level. Northwest Hubei may experience up to 9.8 inches of rain within 24 hours. Officials issued a yellow warning in cities like Xiangyang, Huanggang, and Suizhou, highlighting flood and landslide risks.

Tourist attractions across the province announced closures, including the popular Three Gorges Dam in Yichang. Of 107 ongoing major construction projects, 26 high-risk ones have been suspended.

The peripheral airflow from Dolphin will rise upon hitting western Hubei’s mountains, intensifying rainfall. Wang Xiaoling, deputy director of the provincial meteorological observatory, shared these insights with Hubei Daily.

In neighboring Henan province, authorities have issued a red alert for flash floods as the storm channels moisture north.

As far north as Beijing, more than 600 miles from Hubei, the storm’s effects are anticipated. Four districts on the city’s outskirts have activated Level I emergency flood responses, preparing for a significant portion of the capital’s annual rainfall within 24 hours starting late Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Japan prepares for potential landslides, flooding, and strong winds. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that Typhoon Chan-hom, referred to as Typhoon No. 15, may cross Japan’s mainland Tuesday.