Zhejiang province moved to a Level IV typhoon emergency response at noon on Aug 25 as Typhoon Saudel approached the East China Sea.

Saudel, the 18th named storm of the year, was about 1,060 kilometers southeast of Wenzhou at 8 am on Aug 25, with maximum winds near its center reaching force 15, or severe typhoon strength.

The storm was forecast to move west-northwest at 20 to 25 km per hour and enter the East China Sea on the night of Aug 25.

From Aug 26 to 28, coastal waters off Zhejiang are expected to see gusts of force 12 to 13, with some areas reaching force 14 to 16 or above. Heavy to torrential rain is forecast for coastal and southern Zhejiang on Aug 27 and 28, with some areas expected to see downpours and isolated extremely heavy rain in Wenzhou, Taizhou, and eastern Lishui.

The Zhejiang Meteorological Observatory has issued a marine typhoon warning.

The provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters urged local governments and departments to closely monitor the storm, strengthen coordination, and implement typhoon prevention measures in accordance with emergency plans.