Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai on Monday, September 16, 2024, marking the strongest storm to hit the city in over 70 years. The typhoon, classified as a Category 1 storm, struck the coastal district of Lingang New City around 7:30 AM local time, with maximum sustained winds reaching 151 kilometers per hour (approximately 94 miles per hour) near its eye.
In response to the severe weather, authorities issued a red alert, the highest warning level, prompting the evacuation of approximately 9,000 residents from vulnerable coastal areas, particularly in Chongming District.
The city’s 25 million inhabitants have been advised to remain indoors due to the dangerous conditions. All flights at Shanghai’s two main airports were grounded, and major highways were closed, with a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour enforced on city roads.
The storm caused significant disruptions across the city, including the suspension of train services and the closure of popular attractions like Shanghai Disneyland and other recreational venues. Reports indicated that the typhoon led to numerous incidents, including fallen trees and billboards, and power outages were experienced in some areas.
As Bebinca progresses inland, it is expected to weaken into a tropical storm, but it will continue to affect neighboring provinces, including Jiangsu and Zhejiang, with heavy rainfall and strong winds anticipated.
This event follows the recent impact of Super Typhoon Yagi, which had already caused significant damage in southern China earlier this month.