When a storm packs sustained winds topping 150 kilometers per hour right into a densely populated coastline, standard travel plans immediately go out the window. Typhoon Dolphin slammed directly into China's eastern corridor, forcing massive disruptions across financial hubs and transport networks. If you were tracking flights out of Shanghai on Sunday, you already know the result: total chaos.
Shanghai's major aviation hubs—Pudong and Hongqiao—axed more than 1,300 flights. That represented roughly 60 percent of their scheduled traffic for the day. Passengers found themselves stranded as aviation authorities prioritized safety over strict timetables.
The Scale of the Landfall
Dolphin didn't sneak up on anyone, but its raw power demanded drastic measures. The storm officially made landfall around Taizhou in Zhejiang province, while also lashing northern parts of Fujian. Sustained winds near the center hovered around 151 kilometers per hour at the point of impact.
Before hitting the mainland, the outer bands battered northern Taiwan, including Taipei, dumping heavy rain and forcing Taiwanese carriers to scrap connections to the mainland.
Local governments weren't taking any chances. Officials ordered massive preemptive relocations long before the eye of the storm crossed the coast.
- Around 390,000 residents moved out of high-risk zones in Taizhou alone.
- Shanghai authorities relocated over 30,000 people from vulnerable neighborhoods.
- Regional ferry services, cruises, and water-based tourist activities were completely suspended.
What Meteorologists Are Warning About Next
Wind is only half the battle during systems like this. Chinese forecasters flagged severe precipitation risks, estimating that parts of Zhejiang and surrounding areas could absorb anywhere from 200 to 400 millimeters of rainfall over a matter of days.
That volume of water triggers immediate flash flooding and steep mountain landslide risks. Drainage systems in coastal metropolises face extreme stress. Emergency response units remain deployed across Zhejiang and Shanghai to manage overflowing rivers and blocked transport corridors.
Wider Regional Fallout
Dolphin's footprint extended far beyond China's immediate shoreline. The system dragged heavy moisture across the region, interacting with seasonal monsoons. In the Philippines, days of torrential downpours intensified by the storm's outer circulation caused major flooding in metropolitan Manila and triggered destructive landslides in northern regions like Baguio.
Travelers attempting to navigate East Asia right now should expect residual delays for days. Check directly with carriers before heading to any airport terminals in the affected zones.
