Zhejiang province raised its typhoon emergency response to Level II at noon on Aug 26 as Typhoon Saudel moved closer to the coast.

Saudel was about 650 kilometers east of Wenzhou at 8 am on Aug 26, with maximum winds near its center reaching force 14, or severe typhoon strength.

The storm is forecast to move west-northwest at about 15 km per hour and make landfall along the coast between Xiangshan in Zhejiang and Fuqing in Fujian province from the night of Aug 27 to the morning of Aug 28, at typhoon or severe typhoon strength.

Under the storm's influence, cumulative rainfall in Taizhou, Wenzhou, Lishui, and central and southern Ningbo is forecast to reach 100 to 200 millimeters, with some areas receiving 200 to 300 mm and isolated locations more than 500 mm. Other parts of Zhejiang may see localized rainfall of 50 to 100 mm.

The Zhejiang Meteorological Observatory has issued a typhoon warning.

The provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters urged local governments and departments to closely monitor forecasts and warnings, promptly evacuate people from affected areas, and fully implement typhoon prevention measures to protect lives and property.