Coastal areas prepare for year's first typhoon

Hainan and Guangdong provinces temporarily closed scenic areas and adjusted or suspended train schedules on Thursday ahead of the arrival of Wutip, the year's first typhoon.

Wutip is moving northwest and gradually increasing in intensity as it approaches the southern coast of Hainan. It is forecast to make landfall along the coast from Lingshui to Ledong in Hainan on Friday morning, bringing storms and fierce gales.

According to authorities, ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait were suspended from 11 am Thursday.

China Railway Guangzhou Group has adjusted or suspended operations for some trains running along Guangdong's coast.

In Guangzhou, the provincial capital, a white typhoon warning signal was issued after heavy rainfall hit the area on Wednesday and Thursday.

All coastal scenic spots west of the Pearl River estuary in Guangdong have been temporarily closed as of noon Thursday.

Meanwhile, all fishing boats have been asked to return to shelter, marine tourism entertainment is temporarily closed, and ferry services have been suspended, authorities said.

In Hainan, some high-speed trains will be suspended from 4:06 pm Thursday. Multiple cities and counties on the island issued emergency school suspension notices on Thursday.

The agricultural and rural affairs departments across Hainan are busy guiding farmers to implement protective measures to avoid casualties and minimize potential economic losses. Over 30,500 fishing boats have returned to shelter.

Hainan Power Grid of China Southern Power Grid has organized emergency repair teams in advance to conduct inspections to remove hidden dangers.