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Originally Published: 5 June, 2010

Typhoon Season In China: How Will It Affect You

The typhoon season in China lasts from May to November. 2010 has been a strange year with temperatures still relatively low, and so there have been no typhoons to date. However, the first cannot be far away. Travellers arriving soon may be concerned about how these storms may affect them and their planned journey through China

Generally, typhoons form out in the Pacific Ocean and trend westwards towards the East coast of China. Sometimes they make a veer off before hitting the coast. Once overland the typhoons lose much of their strength. Severe damage and most of the life-threatening events are therefore usually limited to the coastal areas. The impact of the storm is much wider though, often with strong winds and heavy rain for several hundred kilometres inland. It is these that disrupt travel plans.

Strong winds and heavy rain often cause loaclized damage that blocks transport routes. Sections of the rail and road networks can become blocked or flooded. Floods can also wash away important bridges. Flights can be delayed, even cancelled, because of wind and rain at one end of the intended route.

The visitor to China need only remember that the country is huge and that even a strong typhoon only affects a small portion of this. It is well worth being aware what typhoons are in the offing, if any, so that you can prepare for possible disruption to your plans - but it is rarely necessary to change those completely.

Do remember that folks back home may see news about the damage caused and be concerned. If you are travelling close to a typhoon area it is always worth making contact to let them know all is well as soon as you can.

One of the best sites for showing the current situation for typhoons in the region is: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

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