China: Typhoon Ampil hits Shanghai July 22 /update 2

Event

Typhoon Ampil made landfall near Shanghai at approximately 12:30 (local time) on Sunday, July 22. The storm initially hit the island of Chongming before moving further inland. Authorities evacuated at least 190,000 people from Shanghai and another 42,500 from Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a yellow typhoon warning, the government’s second lowest warning, on Sunday for the region. Ampil is expected to weaken as it moves northwest through Monday, July 23, into parts of Anhui, Henan, and western Shandong provinces. Most areas are forecast to received 7.5-15 cm (3-6 in) of rainfall. Consequent landslides, transportation disruptions, and power outages are possible in these and other areas to be potentially affected by the storm. Shanghai airport resumed normal operations and there are no significant delays as of the morning of July 23.

Context

Tropical Storm Ampil struck Okinawa (Japan) on July 21, forcing the cancelations of over 100 flights, affecting some 15,000 passengers. No casualties or significant material damages were immediately reported.

Typhoons and tropical storms regularly hit China and Japan from June through November after gathering strength in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea.

Advice

Individuals traveling to, from, or via the abovementioned areas are advised to verify the status of their flight prior to departure for the airport and to contact their airline for more information. Those present in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.