As Typhoon Kong-rey approaches from the south, China’s economic powerhouse, Shanghai, is preparing for the heaviest rainfall in over four decades. The storm is expected to bring torrents of rain, high winds, and severe flooding to Shanghai and several other eastern provinces in China over the next two days, creating disruptions that could ripple throughout the region. Authorities have implemented emergency measures, with Shanghai’s railway operator suspending numerous high-speed trains and urging residents to take precautionary actions, including stocking up on essential supplies.
After making landfall in Taiwan on Thursday, Typhoon Kong-rey, the largest storm by size to hit the island in 30 years, is expected to cross the Taiwan Strait before moving northeast toward China’s densely populated eastern coastline. The typhoon has already brought Taiwan heavy rains and strong winds, which are now anticipated to sweep through mainland China’s east coast regions, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and especially Shanghai, over the next 48 hours.
In anticipation of extreme weather conditions, the Shanghai Railway Bureau announced the suspension of several high-speed trains starting Thursday, Oct. 31, through Friday. The bureau plans to monitor Kong-rey’s trajectory closely and will make further schedule adjustments based on its path and intensity. Given the substantial rainfall predicted, authorities in Shanghai and neighboring provinces have raised their emergency response levels and issued alerts urging citizens to prepare for what could be one of the worst storms in recent history.
Local media and emergency management teams are urging residents to gather sufficient drinking water, food, and medical supplies to last for the duration of the storm and potential extended recovery periods. Essential services are also on standby to manage possible power outages, infrastructure damage, and localized flooding.
Shanghai’s meteorological bureau, along with the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), is forecasting intense rainfall and possible extreme flooding. Peripheral circulation from Typhoon Kong-rey is expected to combine with cold air descending from northern China, which could create rainfall levels not seen since 1981. Meteorologists warn that the area may see as much as 180 millimeters (7 inches) of rain from Thursday evening through Friday, with peak hourly precipitation reaching up to 70 millimeters (2.75 inches).
In addition to Shanghai, rainstorm warnings have been issued across other southeastern and eastern provinces, including Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. These regions, which are home to millions, have experienced significant typhoon-related flooding in the past, prompting officials to activate preemptive safety measures and heighten their flood response protocols.
Zhejiang Province, situated south of Shanghai, has issued a typhoon warning of its own, preparing for potential landfall and significant disruptions to its transportation network. Local authorities have suspended certain train services to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and residents have been advised to avoid coastal areas due to anticipated strong winds and possible storm surges.
Meanwhile, Fujian Province has escalated its emergency response to a higher level, bracing for both flooding and powerful winds. The region has faced deadly storms in the past, and officials have mobilized search and rescue teams, established emergency shelters, and stockpiled essential resources in case evacuations become necessary.
Typhoon Kong-rey’s impact highlights the potential severity of autumn typhoons, which, according to meteorological experts, can be even more intense than those in summer. Zhu Dingzhen, chief of the China Meteorological Administration’s public weather service, explained that autumn storms are known to take unconventional paths and can intensify quickly, often joining forces with colder northern air masses. This combination can lead to heavier rains, more widespread flooding, and stronger winds.
This year, typhoons in the Western Pacific basin have already claimed over 1,000 lives across East Asia, with the season’s activity expected to continue until December. Large storms, such as Super Typhoon Yagi and Tropical Storm Trami, have demonstrated the devastating potential of these weather patterns. As Zhu emphasized, the approaching autumn storms may be just as dangerous and should not be underestimated.
Given Shanghai’s status as China’s primary financial and industrial hub, Typhoon Kong-rey’s arrival could have substantial economic repercussions. Major businesses and industries in the region have implemented contingency plans to safeguard their facilities, equipment, and personnel. Factories have been advised to minimize production during the storm, while many companies are allowing employees to work from home to reduce commuting risks.
The shipping industry, which relies heavily on Shanghai’s port, one of the busiest in the world, could also be impacted by Kong-rey’s passage. Vessel departures may be delayed, and there is the potential for rerouting of cargo ships to safer ports. These disruptions could lead to a temporary slowdown in exports and supply chains, potentially affecting both domestic and international markets.
Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, and other affected provinces has been crucial in preparing for Typhoon Kong-rey. Regional authorities are sharing real-time meteorological data, streamlining resource distribution, and coordinating evacuation plans to minimize the impact of the storm. This unified approach reflects the increasing necessity for cooperative efforts in dealing with extreme weather, particularly as these events become more frequent and intense.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has also dispatched response teams to support provincial efforts, with personnel specializing in search and rescue, emergency healthcare, and infrastructure repair. Meanwhile, the People’s Liberation Army and other national forces have been placed on standby to assist with rescue operations if the situation intensifies.
