Typhoon Bebinca Paralyzes Shanghai, Strongest Storm to Hit in 70 Years

Typhoon Bebinca slammed into Shanghai on Monday, bringing the bustling metropolis of 25 million to a halt. Authorities reported that it was the strongest typhoon to directly strike the city in over seven decades, with wind speeds reaching 130 kilometers per hour (80 mph), equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane. The storm made landfall in an industrial suburb southeast of Shanghai around 7:30 a.m. local time, causing widespread travel disruptions during China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, a major three-day holiday.

Chinese state media confirmed that Bebinca is the most powerful storm to hit Shanghai since 1949. The China Meteorological Administration issued a red typhoon alert, its highest warning level, predicting strong winds and heavy rainfall across eastern China. The storm’s impact has been far-reaching, with all flights at Shanghai’s two major international airports canceled since Sunday night. Train and ferry services were largely suspended, and several highways and bridges in the area were shut down for safety.

The storm has also affected the city’s tourism sector, with popular destinations, including Shanghai Disney Resort, closing their doors on Monday. The timing of the typhoon, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, has upended holiday plans for many travelers, stranding them during what is normally a festive period.