China: Blue alert for Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces due to Typhoon Soulik

Event

The Chinese weather agency forecasts that Typhoon Soulik, currently approaching the eastern coast of China, will bring strong winds and heavy rain to coastal areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces through Thursday, August 23. As of August 22, a blue alert - the lowest level in a four-tier color-coded warning system - remains in effect.

Context

Soulik is the region's 19th typhoon of the year. Typhoons and tropical storms are common in northeastern Asia from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.