China: Severe weather forecast in northeastern and southern parts of the country through at least July 18 /update 6

Event

Severe thunderstorms are forecast to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to parts of northeastern and southern China through at least July 18. Heavy thunderstorms have also occurred in other areas of the country in recent days. As of early July 12, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow (the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale) rainstorm warning for northern Beijing, northern Hebei, southeastern Inner Mongolia, northern Jiangsu, western Liaoning, Shandong, and northern Tianjin provinces. Heavy rainfall of up to 15 cm (6 inches) is possible in parts of the affected region. Authorities may order evacuations in areas along rivers or in locations that could experience landslides.

Officials have also issued yellow weather warnings for strong wind and hail for northern Anhui, Beijing, eastern Gansu, Guangdong, southern Guangxi, northern Guizhou, central Hainan, central and eastern Hebei, western Heilongjiang, eastern Henan, eastern and southern Hubei, northern Hunan, eastern Inner Mongolia, northern Jiangsu, western Liaoning, central and southern Shaanxi, Shandong, southern Sichuan, Tianjin, and western Yunnan provinces. Orange and yellow landslide and strong wind warnings are in place for northeast and southwest Beijing, northeast Chongqing, northern and southwestern of Hebei, northwest Henan, south Shaanxi, southeast Shanxi, northeast Sichuan, and northern Tianjin provinces. The Ministry of Water Resources has also warned of possible flooding in the Haihe River Basin due to heavy rain.

As of July 12, at least 120,000 people in Sichuan Province have been affected by the heavy rain; officials in Dazhou City evacuated at least 4,600 people. At least 700 flights from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) have been canceled. Further inclement weather could exacerbate current conditions and cause additional or prolonged evacuations and damages/disruptions.

Hazardous Conditions
Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where adverse weather has been forecast. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

China Meteorological Administration
China Ministry of Water Resources