Typhoon Chan-Hom made landfall in eastern China Saturday afternoon local time just south of Shanghai — and the storm has brought air, road, and rail travel to a screeching halt, Xinhua News reported.
At its worst, winds peaked at 100 mph and heavy rain battered Zhejiang and neighboring provinces, but the storm is losing strength. The provincial meteorological station told Xinhua that Chan-Hom is weakening as it moves northeast.
No casualties have been reported as yet, according to Xinhua.
Flooding from the typhoon has had a considerable economic impact on Zhejiang, according to provincial flood control and drought prevention headquarters via Xinhua. The combined effects of inundated farmland and the closure of more than 11,000 businesses has caused an economic loss of $318 million.
Saturday saw all manner of transportation grind to a halt, and massive evacuations in Zhejiang. According to Xinhua, about 1.07 million people were evacuated, highways were closed, and 29,641 ships recalled to port.
In the cities of Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Taizhou over 600 flights were canceled, as were more than 7,300 coaches, and all passenger ships suspended service.
A number of high-speed trains going to or coming from the cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo temporarily ceased operations as well.
Two major carriers canceled a number of flights in eastern China due to the storm. China Southern Airlines called off 339 flights, and Air China, 144.
Neighboring Jiangsu province also felt some of the effects of Chan-Hom. Xinhua said over 46,000 people were evacuated and 21,691 ships were recalled to port. Also, flights were canceled out of Nantong and Nanjing.
Regarding the area’s current airport situation, as of Saturday afternoon Eastern Time, FlightAware shows over 200 cancellations and 55 delays for China Eastern and 109 cancellations and 169 delays for China Southern Airlines. Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines are also showing cancellations and delays.
In terms of airports, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Pudong, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan are showing significant numbers of delays and cancellations, but all area airports are being affected in some way by this storm.
If you’re flying in eastern China, check with your carrier for the latest info.
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