BEIJING, China — Typhoon Bavi weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday after making landfall in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, but continued to bring strong winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption as it moved inland.
China’s National Meteorological Center said the storm steadily weakened as it tracked northwest into Anhui province on Sunday afternoon, though hazardous weather was expected to persist across large parts of eastern and northeastern China through Monday.
Forecasters warned that strong winds and torrential rain would continue affecting numerous cities, with intense downpours already recorded in Anhui and neighboring provinces.
Millions Evacuated Ahead of the Storm
Authorities evacuated more than 2.2 million people across Zhejiang province before the storm’s arrival, according to Chinese state media.
Shanghai evacuated more than 290,000 residents from flood-prone and other vulnerable areas, while neighboring Fujian province relocated more than 180,000 people as a precaution.
In the coastal city of Yueqing, state broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 1,300 trees were felled by the storm, including about 700 that were uprooted.
Air Travel Disrupted
Typhoon Bavi also caused major disruption to air travel.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport were expected to cancel about 653 arriving and departing flights because of the storm.
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Authorities continued monitoring weather conditions as the system moved farther inland.
Taiwan Reports More Than 130 Injuries
Before reaching mainland China, Bavi passed north of Taiwan on Saturday without making direct landfall.
Taiwan’s fire department said at least 134 people were injured during the storm.
Many of the injuries occurred when people riding motorcycles or bicycles were knocked over by strong winds or slipped on rain-soaked roads.
Authorities in both China and Taiwan continued monitoring the storm as it weakened, while warning residents to remain alert for flooding, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: China | Typhoon Bavi | Zhejiang | Shanghai | Taiwan | Extreme Weather | Natural Disasters | Asia
