Shanghai braces for Typhoon Dolphin, keeps essential services running

Shanghai is working to keep essential services running as Typhoon Dolphin approaches the eastern Chinese coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the megacity.

Heavy rainfall began on Sunday morning, prompting the Shanghai Meteorological Service to issue its first red rainstorm alert since 2013. By noon, parts of the city had recorded over 200 mm of accumulated rainfall. While the rain eased in the afternoon, officials warned it could intensify again after sunset, especially as the typhoon makes landfall. Experts also flagged a risk of hurricanes in parts of Pudong.

At Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, ground staff from Spring Airlines were seen securing planes to the tarmac in the rain. Nearly 1,400 flights — about 60% of all scheduled arrivals and departures at the city's two main airports — were cancelled for Sunday.

In Jinshan District, strong winds severely damaged a large factory canopy in the early morning. Metal debris landed near a high-voltage cable, threatening both safety and power supply. Repair crews and firefighters worked together to dismantle the damaged structure, clear the debris, and inspect the cable. Emergency power was provided to the surrounding area, and normal supply resumed once the risks were resolved.

In Lujiazui, the city's financial hub, an underground cable fault was detected. Crews provided emergency power to affected users and began repairs on-site.

Meanwhile, grocery markets in Huangpu District reported stable and abundant supplies of meat, eggs, vegetables, and staple foods. A local supermarket chain also promised to prioritise restocking basic goods and drinking water to keep both stock and prices steady.

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, at around 5:30 p.m. local time on August 9.