Prepare to Get Soaked This Weekend
Typhoon season is upon us and it's that time of year where we need to prepare ourselves for intense storms smashing into the eastern and southern coast of China. The latest storm threatening Shanghai’s peace is named Storm Ampil, and is expected to become a category 1 typhoon before hitting Japan’s Ryukyu islands on Saturday and veering northwest into China's east coast on Sunday night or Monday morning, according to Sina. Whilst storms are unpredictable things and often change course, as of right now the storm is due to hit Shanghai with full force.
This image shows the storm predicted to hit Shanghai on Sunday morning. Image via BBC Weather
Storm Ampil will cause dangerously strong winds, heavy rainfall and severe flooding. But, before we all panic, remember that it may not actually hit Shanghai. Just last week Typhon Maria was expected to hit Shanghai but changed course and hit southern China instead. Either way, rain is in the forecast on Sunday and Monday for Shanghai.
So what do we do if Storm Ampil does hit Shanghai with full force?
1. Check weather forecasts
If the typhoon is at red or orange level it means schools are shut and you don’t have to go to work. WAHOO. It’s worth double checking with your employer so you don’t get fired, but generally that’s the rule. You can check storms here: www.stripes.com/blogs/pacific-storm-tracker
2. Stock up
Eleme will not be an option if the storm is really bad. So make sure you buy plenty of food and water. Seriously, stock up. The rain could last a few days.
3. Plan some entertainment
If you’re stuck at home for two days, chances are you’re going to be pretty bored. Head to a DVD shop (Big Move on Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu is a good one), or sign up for online streaming services, and get ready to deep chill.
4. Gather your mates
Just in case something goes horribly wrong - like a falling tree smashing through your roof and gouging your eye out - it can be good to have other people around. If you live on your own get a friend to come and stay, or go and bunk up with someone else.
5. Batteries, torches and candles
If the weather is truly and awfully awful - like tree falling, eye gouging awful - then you can expect the power to go out, taking with it the internet. HORROR. So get batteries, get torches, have candles to hand and a pack of playing cards. Things could get grim.
6. Batten down the hatches
This sounds obvious, but just double check that all of your doors and windows are shut tight. If you have shutters, then shut them!
Source: news.sina.com.cn.