Transportation services across parts of eastern China remained disrupted on Monday as Typhoon Dolphin weakened after making two landfalls along the coast of Zhejiang Province, while heavy rainfall continued to affect several areas. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, public transportation services were disrupted, and authorities issued flood warnings in several parts of eastern China as the weakening storm continued to bring adverse weather conditions.
Typhoon Weakens After Two Landfalls
According to China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC), Typhoon Dolphin lost strength after making landfall twice in Zhejiang Province on Sunday. The NMC issued its lowest-level typhoon warning on Monday morning. Despite the weakening system, the weather agency forecast continued heavy rainfall across parts of eastern and central China. Authorities in eastern and southern Zhejiang also issued high-level flood warnings amid concerns over rising water levels and possible flooding.
Nearly 1,000 Shanghai Flights Cancelled
The storm continued to have a major impact on air travel. According to the airport authority, 943 flights scheduled to operate from Shanghai’s two major airports were cancelled on Monday as heavy rain affected aviation operations. Local public transportation was also disrupted, with several services, including some local railway operations, affected by the adverse weather. The disruption has created challenges for both residents and travellers as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Ningbo Airport Resumes Services with Delays Possible
Ningbo International Airport in Zhejiang announced that flight operations were expected to resume from the afternoon local time. However, the airport warned passengers that delays and cancellations could still occur because the effects of the typhoon had not completely disappeared. Travellers were advised to remain alert to changes in flight schedules as weather conditions continued to fluctuate.
Hangzhou Restores Subway Services
Transportation in Zhejiang’s provincial capital, Hangzhou, was also affected by the storm. Several railway services had been suspended on Sunday because of the severe weather. Subway services resumed from Monday morning, helping restore public transportation connectivity in the city. Authorities continued to monitor weather conditions and transportation infrastructure for potential disruptions.
Heavy Rain and Flood Risks Persist
Although Typhoon Dolphin weakened, the risk from heavy rainfall remained significant. The NMC forecast continued rainfall in parts of eastern and central China, while authorities in Zhejiang warned of possible flooding in vulnerable areas. The continuing rainfall has also raised concerns about landslides and other weather-related hazards, particularly in areas already affected by saturated ground conditions.
Beijing Also Under Severe Weather Alert
The effects of the country’s unsettled weather were not limited to eastern China. Authorities issued high-level heavy-rain warnings for five districts of Beijing on Monday. Residents were warned about potential flooding and landslides as unfavorable weather conditions expanded toward northern China. Officials urged people in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow weather and emergency safety instructions.
More Than 1,000 Flights Cancelled Over the Weekend
Typhoon Dolphin had already caused significant disruption over the weekend, when more than 1,000 flights were cancelled across China. Tens of thousands of people were also relocated to safer areas as authorities prepared for the storm and its associated risks. The disruption highlights the wider impact of severe weather on China’s aviation, railway and public transportation networks, particularly during the peak travel period.
Recent Typhoons Add to Weather Concerns
Typhoon Dolphin is the latest in a series of severe weather events to affect China. Two weeks earlier, Typhoon Noul struck southern Guangdong Province. Authorities described it as the strongest typhoon to hit China this year at that time. Southern and central parts of the country also experienced significant weather-related damage last month. Flooding caused by Typhoon Mesak in the Guangxi region reportedly killed 39 people, while a storm and strong winds in central Hubei Province left 11 people dead and 331 injured.
Travel Disruptions Continue Amid Severe Weather
With heavy rainfall continuing across several regions, authorities have maintained close monitoring of transportation networks and flood-prone areas. For travellers, the latest disruption underscores the importance of checking flight, railway and public transportation schedules before travelling through affected areas. The continuing weather conditions could result in further delays, cancellations and temporary service suspensions if rainfall intensifies or flooding worsens.
