Zhejiang province upgraded its typhoon emergency response to the highest level as Muifa is expected to move northwest at a speed of 20-25 kmh, intensifying and eventually reaching coastal areas south of Zhoushan, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

China’s 12th cyclone of the year was expected to make landfall today afternoon or night, according to forecasters. Shanghai issued an advisory warning for wind gusts and heavy rains are expected until tomorrow.

More than 50% of flights will be reduced or cancelled at Shanghai Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport today with 589 flights already affected, according to state media.

Flights at Zhoushan and Ningbo airports were also cancelled.

Zhejiang authorities issued a “red warning” for flash floods in several areas and the national weather forecaster said there was a high risk of flooding of small and medium-sized rivers in northeast Zhejiang and waterlogging in eastern and northern Zhejiang, Shanghai, southern areas of Jiangsu and other places.