China&rsquo;s island province of Hainan has issued a Level-IV typhoon warning as Typhoon Tapah, the 16th storm of the year, advances over the South China Sea. Authorities warned of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding as the system moves closer to the mainland.
At 7 a.m. Sunday, Tapah&rsquo;s center was about 445 kilometers southeast of Maoming City&rsquo;s Dianbai District in Guangdong Province, with sustained winds reaching 23 meters per second near its core. Meteorologists forecast the storm will intensify while moving northwest at 10 to 15 kilometers per hour.
The typhoon is expected to approach central and western Guangdong, making landfall between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang as either a severe tropical storm or typhoon. &ldquo;Its intensity will gradually weaken after landfall,&rdquo; provincial meteorological officials said.
Severe weather has already begun to affect coastal areas. The Qiongzhou Strait and Beibu Gulf are forecast to see winds of force five, with gusts reaching seven to eight during thunderstorms. The eastern waters of Hainan could face force seven to nine winds, with gusts peaking at 10 to 11. Around the Xisha and Zhongsha Islands, gusts may reach up to force 10.
China&rsquo;s four-tier emergency system ranks Level I as the most severe, with Level IV representing the lowest alert. Despite this, officials have taken preemptive steps. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters dispatched work teams to Guangdong to assist in flood prevention and typhoon relief.
Authorities cautioned that Typhoon Tapah is expected to bring downpours, gales, and potential storm surges through the weekend. Coastal residents have been advised to prepare for flooding and disruptions to sea traffic.

China issues Level-IV warning as Typhoon Tapah nears Guangdong coast with heavy winds

Typhoon Tapah Sparks Alert in Hainan

China issues Level-IV warning as Typhoon Tapah nears Guangdong coast with heavy winds

September 7, 2025 | 14:26 IST