Typhoon Dolphin Hits China: What Happens Next Could Be Worse

The typhoon has arrived. The bigger danger may be what it leaves behind.

Typhoon Dolphin, the strongest tropical cyclone to hit China so far this year, made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province on Sunday, packing sustained winds of around 151 kmph, according to Reuters. More than one million people were evacuated, with Wenzhou alone relocating more than 900,000 residents.

China had already raised its meteorological warning to red, the highest level, as Dolphin approached. The country's emergency response for major meteorological disasters was also escalated from Level III to Level II.

Where did Dolphin make landfall?

The storm hit China's eastern coast near Yuhuan in Zhejiang, after moving across the western Pacific and affecting parts of Japan and Taiwan. The National Meteorological Centre had forecast landfall between Sanmen in Zhejiang and Fuding in Fujian, with the storm expected to weaken as it moved inland.

How powerful was the storm?

Dolphin arrived with sustained winds of about 151 kmph, according to Reuters, making it the strongest tropical cyclone to strike China in 2026 so far. Before landfall, forecasts warned of winds reaching Force 9 to 12, with stronger gusts near the storm's core. The Chinese authorities also warned of extremely heavy rainfall across a broad swathe of eastern China.

How much disruption has it caused?

A lot. Shanghai cancelled more than 1,300 flights, according to the Associated Press, while ferry and cruise services were suspended in affected areas. Schools, tourist sites and other activities were also shut in parts of Zhejiang ahead of the storm. Ports and offshore operations were suspended and vessels moved to safer locations as authorities prepared for powerful winds and large waves.

Why are floods and landslides the bigger concern now?

Because a typhoon doesn't stop being dangerous when its winds weaken. China's National Meteorological Centre warned that prolonged heavy rain could trigger mountain torrents, flash floods, landslides and urban waterlogging across several provinces. The Associated Press reported forecasts of 200–400 mm of rain in parts of eastern China over the coming days. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but its remnants could continue carrying heavy moisture northward.

Which areas could see more rain?

The threat extends well beyond Zhejiang and Fujian. Forecasts point to heavy rainfall across Shanghai, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Henan and Shandong, with further rain expected later across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and Liaoning. That is why Chinese authorities have warned that the danger will continue even after Dolphin loses typhoon strength.

Was Dolphin already affecting other countries?

Yes. Before reaching China, the storm passed through Japan's Okinawa region. Reuters reported that six people were injured and more than 50,000 buildings lost power there. Japan had ordered evacuations and cancelled hundreds of flights as Dolphin approached. The storm's outer effects also brought heavy rain to Taiwan and contributed to severe weather in the Philippines.

What happens now?

The wind threat should gradually ease as Dolphin moves inland. The water threat won't disappear as quickly. China is now preparing for the storm's second act: days of torrential rain, swollen rivers, flash floods and landslides. As the NMC's chief forecaster Wang Haiping warned, a typhoon making landfall does not mean its impact is over. Dolphin may weaken, but the weather system it leaves behind could continue to affect large parts of China for days.

(With inputs from ANI)