Archive image. Typhoon approaching China. Photo: Shutterstock China is preparing for a direct hit from Typhoon Saudel, which continues to approach the country's eastern coast, prompting a significant worsening of the alert level, transportation disruptions, and extensive airline preparations.
China's National Meteorological Center raised the typhoon warning to red, the highest level, after the system re-strengthened. According to the latest forecast, Saudel is expected to make landfall between the morning and afternoon of August 28, in the area between Wenling in Zhejiang province and Xiapu in Fujian province.
Winds of about 45 meters per second were measured around the center of the typhoon, and the system is expected to bring with it strong winds, heavy rains, high waves, and a risk of flooding and landslides in areas near the coast.
Zhejiang Province raised its typhoon emergency response to Level I, the highest emergency level, on the evening of August 27.
At the same time, Fujian Province raised its emergency response to Level II, and authorities in the coastal region began implementing a series of preventive measures, including traffic restrictions, the suspension of maritime activities, and preparations to evacuate at-risk areas.
The impact on aviation is already being felt.
China Eastern has issued another operational update, warning that some flights arriving and departing from Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Pudong, Wenzhou and Zhoushan airports are expected to be affected on August 28.
The company urges passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and stay updated on schedule changes.
If flights are delayed or canceled due to the typhoon, the company allows eligible passengers to change their flights or request a refund in accordance with the published emergency policy.
The damage to maritime transport is even more extensive. Authorities in Fujian province confirm that 57 passenger lines and ferries along the coast have been shut down, as part of preparations for the typhoon.
In addition, 118 maritime projects were halted, restrictions were imposed on vessel movement, and ships in sensitive areas were required to stay away from the storm's paths.
The restrictions also apply to areas in the Taiwan Strait and to ship traffic between Fujian and Zhejiang.
Although the direct impact is expected to be south of Shanghai, the city's two main airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, are also included in the airline's warnings and changes.
For international travelers, this is a significant development, as Shanghai is one of Asia's largest airport hubs and a major transit point for connecting flights throughout China and East Asia.
At this stage, no complete closure of Shanghai's airports has been announced, but passengers are advised to monitor flight schedules and prepare for possible delays, changes, and cancellations.
The typhoon is expected to reach the coast on August 28, so the next 24 hours are expected to be the most critical for aviation and transportation disruptions.
Authorities continue to monitor the system's trajectory, while airlines, seaports, and transportation operators prepare for possible worsening.
For travelers planning to fly to Shanghai, Wenzhou, Zhoushan or other areas in eastern China, it is recommended to check the flight status before leaving for the airport and follow official announcements from the airline and airport.