Shanghai Faces Extreme Rainfall as Typhoon Connie Approaches

Shanghai is expected to experience heavy rainfall from the evening of October 31st to November 1st due to the impact of Typhoon “Connie”. At the same time, on November 1st, the mainland will face strong winds of level 8-9, with wind gusts reaching levels of 10-11 in the Yangshan Port area. The Shanghai Meteorological Department has advised the public to minimize outdoor activities during the typhoon period and to stock up on water and food. This information became a top search on Baidu on October 31st.

According to various mainland Chinese media reports on October 30th, influenced by the peripheral circulation of Typhoon “Connie” and cold air, Shanghai will see showers starting in the afternoon of October 31st, with the rain intensifying in the evening. Heavy precipitation is expected to last until the early hours of November 2nd, with the heaviest rainfall concentrated from late on October 31st to daytime on November 1st. The rainfall is forecasted to range from 120 to 180 millimeters, potentially reaching 220 to 280 millimeters in the southeast. The hourly rainfall rate may reach 40 to 70 millimeters, with extreme variability. This could potentially become the largest rainfall event in November since 1981.

Starting from the night of October 31st, wind speeds in Shanghai will gradually increase, with the mainland facing level 8-9 winds on November 1st. In high-rise buildings and coastal areas along the river, gusts may reach levels of 9-10, while in the Yangshan Port area, gusts may reach levels of 10-11. Wind speeds are expected to decrease on the afternoon of November 2nd.

The Shanghai Meteorological Department has issued reminders to the public: 1. Stock up on drinking water and food before the typhoon hits, and minimize outdoor activities during its impact. 2. Secure outdoor items to prevent damage from strong winds and avoid taking shelter near temporary structures during the storm. Park vehicles away from large trees. 3. Due to the extreme nature of this weather event, there may be localized flooding, so avoid wading outdoors and be cautious of storm surge impacts. Pay attention to low-lying areas. 4. This event will have a significant impact on transportation, so stay informed about travel conditions and forecast warnings.

The meteorological department forecasts that due to the rainfall and cold air, temperatures will drop on Friday (November 1st) and Saturday (November 2nd), with a maximum temperature of only 20°C. Sunday (November 3rd) is expected to return to calm weather in Shanghai. Next week, another cold air event is expected, with mostly cloudy weather and further temperature drops.

Over 400 netizens expressed concerns about the situation.

Netizen “若要好便是了” suggested: “At least you can buy some biscuits, solid alcohol, alcohol stove, a small amount of instant noodles, dry noodles, rice, various seasonings. Store items such as potatoes, taro, and sweet potatoes that can last for a few days.”

“囧臉的呼喚” lamented: “The once magical power of the old ‘Magic City’ has disappeared. In recent typhoons, they didn’t bypass Shanghai; one even came through once and then turned back.”

“一無所有向東流” commented: “Shanghai’s weather is really unpredictable this year. We’re still facing a strong typhoon in November.”

Netizen “愛蟈蟈的春天” expressed concern for delivery workers, saying: “What should the delivery drivers do when it rains? They have to work.”