Heads up! Typhoon Podul is on the move and local authorities in Fujian Province and Guangdong Province on the Chinese mainland have just stepped up their emergency typhoon response from Level IV to Level III. Here's what you need to know:
Podul, the 11th named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, is currently about 510 km southeast of Taitung in China's Taiwan region, packing winds of up to 35 m/s at its core. Meteorologists warn it could strengthen to 50 m/s—that's a severe typhoon level! 🌪️
Timeline at a glance:
- Around Wednesday noon: Podul makes landfall on the southeastern coast of the island of Taiwan.
- Later Wednesday nightearly Thursday: After crossing the Taiwan Strait, it's forecast to hit the coast between Jinjiang in Fujian and Huilai in Guangdong.
What's Level III? The Chinese mainland's four-tier emergency response ranges from Level I (most severe) to Level IV. Level III signals "enhanced readiness," meaning local teams are mobilizing flood gates, inspecting power lines, and running rescue drills. 💪
Local flood control HQs are on high alert—think power-bank charged, storm kits ready, and staying tuned to official channels. For those in tech hubs like Shenzhen or Xiamen, keep your devices topped up so you can follow live weather updates on social media. 📱
Why you should care: If you've booked a flight to Taipei or have friends in Fuzhou, text them a quick check-in. And hey, if you've got a "quarantine snack stash," maybe add extra instant noodles—just in case power cuts hit. 😉
Stay safe, stay informed, and let's ride out this typhoon together! 🙏
Reference(s):
China's Fujian, Guangdong upgrade emergency typhoon response measures
cgtn.com