Fierce winds and torrential rain battered Shanghai on Monday as Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest typhoon to hit the city since Typhoon Gloria in 1949, made landfall.

With wind speeds reaching 151 kph (94 mph) near the typhoon’s eye, according to the China Meteorological Administration, the storm toppled trees, flooded streets, and caused power outages across the city.

On Sunday, the administration issued its highest red typhoon warning, forecasting severe gales, torrential rain, and coastal flooding across large parts of eastern China. By Sunday night, Pudong, Jinshan, Fengxian, and Chongming districts had issued a red typhoon warning. By evening, more than 400,000 people were relocated, and 811 ships evacuated.

Coming amid the Mid-Autumn Festival, a national holiday, the typhoon led to significant disruptions with flights canceled at Shanghai’s two international airports, ferry services were halted, and key train lines suspended. Ports, bridges, and highways across the city were also closed as authorities braced for the impact.

Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area at around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, with maximum wind speeds of 42 meters per second (level 14), classifying it as a strong typhoon.

Shanghai experienced heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from Sunday night through Monday, as the typhoon’s circulation swept through the megacity. Rainfall totals ranged from 60 to 90 millimeters, with some areas receiving up to 180 millimeters.

The highest hourly rainfall intensity reached between 50 and 80 millimeters. The most intense downpours occurred from early Monday morning until noon, gradually tapering off after midnight.

Bebinca is projected to continue moving west-northwest at around 25 kilometers per hour, gradually weakening in intensity.

On Monday, social media was flooded with reports of blown-out windows, leaking balconies, power outages, and other storm-related incidents. The public holiday for the Mid-Autumn Festival saw amusement facilities, food delivery, parks, and various activities canceled due to the typhoon.

By afternoon, the city’s two major airports resumed operations, along with some subway lines.

Editor: Apurva.

(Header image: Pedestrians struggle with umbrellas amid strong winds and rain as Typhoon Bebinca sweeps across Shanghai, Sept. 16, 2024. Hector Retamal/AFP via VCG)