**Beijing Braces for Deluge as Typhoon Dolphin Moves Deeper into China**
As Typhoon Dolphin continues its path inland, the central Chinese province of Hubei is facing significant weather challenges, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. The typhoon, which made landfall over the weekend, has been classified as the strongest to hit China this year, and it is now moving deeper into the country, bringing with it warnings of extreme rainfall, flooding, and landslides.
On Tuesday, the storm was reported to be advancing towards Hubei, leading to the closure of various tourist attractions and the suspension of construction projects across the province. The National Meteorological Centre of China has issued an orange alert for heavy rain, the second-highest warning level, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Hubei is expected to receive as much as 250 mm (9.8 inches) of rain within a 24-hour period, significantly increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
The province, home to over 58 million residents and a major hub for automotive and high-tech electronics manufacturing, has already experienced adverse weather conditions. Last month, Hubei was struck by two rare tornadoes following Typhoon Maysak, which resulted in at least 11 fatalities. In light of the impending severe weather from Dolphin, scenic spots such as the Three Gorges Dam tourist area in Yichang have announced temporary closures, and 26 out of 107 major highway and waterway construction projects have been halted due to safety concerns.
Wang Xiaoling, deputy director of the provincial meteorological observatory, noted that the peripheral airflow of Typhoon Dolphin is expected to intensify as it encounters the mountainous terrain of western Hubei, leading to increased rainfall. In response to the storm's trajectory, Hubei authorities have issued a yellow warning for cities including Xiangyang, Huanggang, and Suizhou, highlighting the heightened risk of flooding and landslides.
In addition to Hubei, the effects of Typhoon Dolphin are being felt in Beijing, located over 1,000 km (620 miles) to the north. The capital is preparing for significant rainfall as moisture from the typhoon converges with cooler air in northern China. Forecasts indicate that parts of Beijing could receive over 100 mm (3.9 inches) of rain within six hours and more than 150 mm (5.9 inches) over a 24-hour period. Some districts, including Tongzhou, Daxing, Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou, and Fengtai, may see rainfall totals exceed 200 mm (7.9 inches) within the same timeframe, which represents more than one-third of the city’s average annual rainfall of 528 mm (20.8 inches).
In preparation for the anticipated heavy downpours, four districts on the outskirts of Beijing have activated Level I emergency flood responses. The mountainous district of Mentougou has issued the highest level of flood emergency alert, advising residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid mountainous areas and rivers.
As Typhoon Dolphin progresses, authorities across affected regions remain vigilant, implementing safety measures to protect residents and minimize potential damage. Meanwhile, the situation is further complicated by Typhoon Chan-hom, which is expected to impact Japan with landslides, flooding, and strong winds, as it moves across the country's main island.
With the ongoing threat of severe weather from Typhoon Dolphin, residents in both Hubei and Beijing are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure their safety.