Super typhoon Nepartak: What to expect in Shanghai

Super typhoon Nepartak is due to hit Shanghai this weekend after causing devastation to parts of Taiwan this morning.

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The storm left two dead and 66 injured as well as forcing residents to evacuate their homes as the island was battered by winds of up to 244kph (150mph).

Nepartak is expected to hit China's Fujian province by Saturday morning before making its way northwards. It has already decreased in strength to a medium-strength typhoon and is expected to weaken further before reaching Shanghai.

Shanghai Daily

The storm is set to bring further torrential rain to eastern China, which is already suffering its worst flooding since 1998. Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Anhui and Shanghai are all expected to be affected by the storm.

What to expect in Shanghai

Chinese airlines have already cancelled all flights to Taiwan today as well as over 20 flights scheduled for today and tomorrow between Shanghai and southern Chinese cities. Those due to travel this weekend are advised to check ahead with your tour operator before heading to the airport.

The city will be hit by downpours accompanied by gale-force winds over the weekend, according to Shanghai Daily.

Coastal areas are expected to see level-8 winds (96kph-74kph), which can cause waves of up to 5.5 metres high, and some residents of these areas are already being evacuated. All Shanghai residents are being told to brace themselves for stormy weather and flooding from upstream.

The weather may even effect metro services, with some above-ground stations planning to cease operations if winds exceed 'level 10'. Tickets for some Gaotie routes are also no longer being sold, however no trains have been cancelled just yet - again, best to check on official websites and be prepared for delays.

The districts of Songjiang, Jinshan, Qingpu and Jiading are expected to be the worst affected.

However it is worth noting that stern warnings are common at this time of year and, though the situation could potentially be serious, most typhoons usually drop significantly in strength by the time they hit Shanghai.

In summary, stay safe and be prepared for a weekend at home.