Ferry routes and schools closed as Typhoon Tapah nears Guangdong

Thirty passenger ferry routes in Guangdong province have been suspended, and schools in certain areas have closed as Typhoon Tapah is expected to land in the province early Monday.

As of 3 pm Sunday, Tapah, the 16th typhoon this year, was moving northwest at a speed of 20-25 kilometers per hour and gaining strength. It is forecast to intensify into a severe tropical storm later today, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Earlier at 7 am Sunday, the typhoon was observed located over the South China Sea, about 445 kilometers southeast of Dianbai district in Maoming city, Guangdong province.

The provincial meteorological authority said the typhoon is projected to land in Guangdong between early Monday morning and noon, bringing major wind and rain to the region on Monday and Tuesday.

As of 3:30 pm, 61 cities and counties in Guangdong had issued yellow alerts for thunderstorms and strong winds. The storm has prompted the suspension of 30 ferry routes and 94 passenger ships.

Several cities, including Zhuhai, Jiangmen, and Yangjiang, have announced the closure of kindergartens and primary and secondary schools until the weather warning is lifted.

The typhoon is also expected to bring heavy rain to Hainan province.

The Haikou transportation authority announced on Sunday morning that all operations at Xinhaigang, Xiuyinggang, and Tielunangang ports would be suspended from 2 pm Sunday until Tuesday morning, with resumption times subject to weather conditions.