Typhoon Talim, the fourth typhoon of the year, is expected to make landfall in western Guangdong Province tonight, according to the latest update from the Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory.

The typhoon will be about 300 kilometers away from Shenzhen this morning.

The observatory said at press time yesterday that it may upgrade the alert level for typhoon from blue to yellow later yesterday, asking primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and nurseries to be prepared to suspend classes. Employers have also been advised to make preparations for possible suspension of work.

Influenced by the typhoon coming ashore along the coastal areas from Taishan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan Province, Shenzhen is bracing for strong winds and heavy rainfall until tomorrow.

The maximum wind gusts on land are forecast to range from level 6 to 8, while coastal, highland, and sea areas may experience gusts reaching levels 8 to 10. The gust will abate tomorrow but intermittent showers will continue, according to the local observatory.

Although the typhoon’s arrival is expected to bring relief from high temperatures, the public is advised to remain vigilant, stay away from outdoor billboards, and stay updated with the latest weather reports.

Shenzhen has a five-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe conditions, followed by orange, yellow, blue and white.

In response to the typhoon, some trains, flights and port services have been suspended, and coastal attractions including those in Dapeng New District have been closed for safety. 

In another development, Guangdong Province upgraded its emergency response for Typhoon Talim from Level III to II at 3 p.m. yesterday, according to the provincial flood control and drought relief authorities.

Maritime authorities in the province have taken measures to strengthen traffic safety management in areas including the Pearl River estuary, Qiongzhou Strait and Wanshan Islands where potential impacts from the typhoon are expected.

Ship operations have been suspended, with the passenger ro-ro ship service in Qiongzhou Strait, which connects Hainan and Guangdong, halted since 6 a.m. yesterday, authorities said.