Saturday, 8 August 2026, 22:41
Typhoon Dolphin is closing in on eastern China, forcing school closures, grounded ferries and one of the largest fishing fleet evacuations in the region this season. The storm is expected to hit Zhejiang province and northern Fujian late Sunday, with Shanghai also in the projected path.
Typhoon Dolphin was moving toward the Chinese coast Saturday with maximum sustained winds estimated at 162 km/h (101 mph). The storm's arrival late Sunday is expected to bring heavy rain and dangerous storm surge.
The hardest-hit areas will likely include Zhejiang province and the northern part of neighboring Fujian province. Shanghai, the country's largest city, is also on the storm's edge. Heavy rain raises the risk of severe flooding and landslides across the region's mountainous interior.
China's national authorities activated a level III emergency response, the second-lowest in the country's four-tier system, according to the AP report. In a separate action, the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration issued a top-level emergency response for marine operations, as reported by CGTN.
Many tourist destinations in Zhejiang are closed for Saturday and Sunday. All water-based activities, including ferries and cruises, were suspended. The city of Ningbo, one of the province's largest, ordered schools and other educational facilities shut for the weekend.
CGTN said around 15,000 fishing vessels across Zhejiang have returned to port for shelter, a sign of how seriously local authorities are treating the storm.
This storm has no direct impact on California. The main connection for California readers is personal: many families in the Bay Area and Southern California have relatives, business interests or travel plans in eastern China. Anyone with contacts in Zhejiang, Fujian or Shanghai should monitor local warnings.
Typhoons are a recurring hazard in the western Pacific, especially from late summer into autumn. Coastal provinces in China regularly face storm surges, flood damage and evacuations when tropical cyclones make landfall.
Eastern China is bracing for a powerful landfall. With schools closed, boats sheltered and emergency protocols active, the next 48 hours will be critical. If you have ties to the region, stay in touch with local authorities and follow their safety instructions.
