Recently, the southern region has been experiencing the strongest rainfall, with heavy rains blanketing over a dozen provinces and cities. As a result of the downpour, transportation, classes, and flights have been suspended, and tourist attractions have been closed. Experts have analyzed that a low vortex (cold vortex) is the direct influencing system behind this intense rainfall.
On May 8th, the China Meteorological Administration issued a yellow alert for heavy rain and severe convective weather at 10 o’clock, marking the peak period of rainfall in the southern region accompanied by widespread severe convective weather.
From 2 pm on the 8th to 2 pm on the 9th, southern Jianghuai, southwest and central-east of Jiangnan, northern parts of South China, and parts of northern and central-north China are expected to experience heavy to torrential rain. Certain areas in eastern Jiangxi, southern Hunan, and northern Guangxi may face heavy rain. These regions are also at risk of short but intense downpours, localized thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail.
During this period, parts of northern China, northeastern regions, eastern Jianghan, southern Jianghuai, Jiangnan, and South China may encounter thunderstorms with wind speeds exceeding level 8, or hail. Areas in southern Anhui, southeastern Jiangsu, eastern Hunan, central-northern Jiangxi, northern Guangxi, and northwestern Guangdong may even experience thunderstorms with wind speeds exceeding level 10, possibly reaching level 11, with the potential for tornadoes in certain areas like central-northern Jiangxi.
Mr. Zhang, a former meteorological official, told Epoch Times, “Extreme weather events have been quite frequent in recent years. The heavy rains in the south this time are mainly due to the southward movement of cold air, potentially forming low vortices in the lower atmosphere.” “These low vortices are the direct influencing systems behind this rainfall process, with convection and precipitation mainly occurring in the central and southeastern parts of the vortex.”
A low vortex, also known as a “cold vortex,” refers to a cyclonic circulation in the upper atmosphere where the central temperature is typically lower than its surroundings on weather charts.
The heavy rainfall has led to suspension of services in some areas. From the 7th to the 8th, some passenger trains on the Guangzhou Railway suspended operations, with southern Hunan experiencing heavy rain causing certain regular-speed trains to be halted.
On May 7th, passenger trains on routes including the Jiheng Line, Hukun Line, Jiaoliu Line, Li Cha Line, and Yuhuai Line were suspended; on the 8th, trains on the Jingguang Line, Jiheng Line, and Li Cha Line were affected. The No.1 Scenic Route in Wuyishan National Park (National Park Section) was temporarily closed from the 6th to the 8th.
Several tourist attractions have also been closed. Yixing Zhuhai Scenic Area announced the suspension of the cable car operation on May 8th. The Turtle Head Isle scenic area in Wuxi announced the cancellation of the “Taishan Enjoyment” water tour scheduled for May 10th (from Wuxi Guanshe Mountain Villa to Suzhou Xishan Island).
Starting from 8 pm on May 7th, boating activities on Taihu Lake were suspended. Zhangjiagang Shuangshan Shipping Co., Ltd. issued reminders for the potential suspension of services for Jiangdao Ferry and Dongduo vessels at any time.
In Zhuhai, Guangdong, classes were suspended urgently. On the 7th, the Doumen District of Zhuhai issued a red rainstorm alert signal, with other areas under yellow rainstorm alerts and the whole city under a yellow thunderstorm and strong wind alert. The Zhuhai Education Bureau announced the suspension of classes for non-boarded childcare institutions, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, colleges, and extracurricular training institutions in the Doumen District on the 7th.
On the morning of the 8th, an Epoch Times reporter contacted a primary school in Zhuhai, where a staff member said, “It started raining right after the May Day holiday, and we are uncertain about when classes will resume. We have to wait for instructions from higher authorities. I think the students must be quite happy to have a few more days off.”
Guangzhou resident Han Ming (pseudonym) shared with Epoch Times, “The rainfall in Guangdong this time is heavy, accompanied by strong winds, and there are many fallen branches and debris on the roads. The underground parking lots and streets are flooded, even a little rain causes water accumulation. The municipal company is constantly repairing roads, digging up one section today and another tomorrow, but the roads are getting worse and the drainage systems are not functioning properly.” “In fact, people are well aware that these officials are benefiting from road repairs.”