China is bracing for the impending landfall of Typhoon Wutip, the country’s first tropical storm to land this year, with heavy rain and gusty winds predicted in southern provinces. The storm, which is at present a tropical storm, is likely to strengthen into a severe tropical storm and then hit the coastal districts of Hainan and Guangdong on Friday.
Wutip developed in the South China Sea at 8 a.m. on Thursday, said China’s National Meteorological Centre (NMC). Wutip was situated around 205 kilometers southeast of Sanya, Hainan. Wutip was moving northwest at 10 km/h and is expected to hit between Lingshui and Ledong in Hainan early Friday, before inland movement towards western Guangdong or Guangxi on June 14.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that the storm might move towards the Pearl River Estuary area as it moves inland. Although it is the first typhoon to strike China in 2025, the storm formed almost two months after the average first date of the storm at March 25. Even though the timing is behind schedule, its landfall comes ahead of the typical date of June 27.
An emergency response has been issued by the authorities, mobilizing troops to help prevent disasters in hit provinces. A blue wave warning, the lowest alert on China’s typhoon warning system, has been issued in Hainan.
Meteorologists have warned of potential secondary dangers like flash flooding and landslides, especially in small to medium rivers. Wednesday-to-Saturday rain could be 100–150mm over much of Hainan, with higher, focal totals of 300mm at most in mountains. The other provinces like Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, and southern Jiangsu will also experience enhanced rainfall as Wutip combines with a cold front.
Rail operations have been suspended or delayed in impacted areas, including Hainan and Guangdong.
