China prepares for Typhoon Dolphin as authorities shut schools and tourism operations

The NMC said meteorologists expect heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of eastern China, including the economic metropolis of Shanghai, until August 12. In its advisory, the centre noted in German: "Meteorologen erwarten in Teilen Ostchinas, darunter auch in der Wirtschaftsmetropole Shanghai, bis zum 12. August heftige Regenfälle und starke Winde."

Local governments have begun shutting schools and suspending tourism activities in the areas expected to be hardest hit. The port city of Ningbo in Zhejiang has been named among the places preparing for disruption, with operators moving to secure sites and cancel visits before the storm makes its closest approach.

What the 'dangerous semicircle' means

The 'dangerous semicircle' is the half of a tropical cyclone, located to the right of its track in the Northern Hemisphere, where the storm's forward motion adds to its rotational winds. That geometry typically produces the highest wind speeds and the most intense rainfall, which is why forecasters flag it as the area of greatest risk for coastal communities.

Shanghai, a megacity of more than 24 million people and a global financial hub, is particularly exposed to typhoon-related flooding because large stretches of its urban area sit near or just above sea level. The combination of storm surge, heavy rain and high tides can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and flood low-lying neighbourhoods.

Why Shanghai is especially exposed

Zhejiang province, which has been battered by several typhoons in recent years, has developed some of China's most extensive coastal flood defences and emergency-response protocols. Authorities routinely pre-position rescue teams, open public shelters and order fishing vessels back to port when storms approach the coast.

Tourism operators along the coast have cancelled boat tours, beach events and outdoor attractions as a precaution. The shutdowns are intended both to protect visitors from flying debris and storm surge, and to keep emergency routes clear for evacuations and rescue work if conditions deteriorate.

Tourism and schools shut down

Schools in affected districts have been ordered closed so that children are not travelling during the most dangerous hours of wind and rain. Local officials have urged employers to allow staff to work from home where possible, and to delay non-essential travel until the all-clear is given.

Forecasters are continuing to track Typhoon Dolphin as it moves across the East China Sea, with Japan also reporting effects along its southwestern islands. The NMC has said it will issue updated warnings and adjust its danger-zone maps as the storm's path becomes clearer in the coming days.