China issues first typhoon warning of the year for southern coast

China's National Meteorological Center has issued the nation's first typhoon warning of the year, forecasting that a storm will impact the southern provinces of Hainan and Guangxi on July 3 and 4. The developing tropical depression, which formed in the South China Sea, is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within the next 24 hours.

The storm is predicted to bring strong winds and intense rainfall to the region. Forecasters warned that precipitation in parts of Guangxi and Hainan could approach historic records for this time of year, necessitating early preparations. The typhoon is expected to first make landfall on the coast between eastern Hainan and western Guangdong province on Friday, then cross Hainan and move into the Beibu Gulf, striking the Guangxi coast again on Saturday before gradually weakening.

Heavy rains are anticipated in Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Hunan provinces. Meteorological experts urged coastal areas to closely track the storm's movement, reinforce aquaculture facilities, and enhance maritime traffic safety. The public has been advised to avoid traveling to islands and beaches during the typhoon's passage. Guangxi, which has experienced continuous rainfall and significant water accumulation recently, requires additional preventive measures due to an elevated risk of disasters.