Flights, ferries cancelled in Shanghai and Shenzhen as Typhoon Saudel closes in

Typhoon Saudel is set to make landfall along the coast of eastern China, causing widespread disruptions to travel and transport. Coastal province Zhejiang is preparing for the typhoon's approach, with flights suspended across several major cities. Ningbo Lishe International Airport will cease operations at 11:30pm on Thursday, while Wenzhou will see 90 flights cancelled and 22 grounded.

The National Meteorological Centre predicts Saudel will arrive between early Friday and noon, either as a typhoon or severe typhoon. This would mark the third landfall in Zhejiang this year, tying the province's record from 2004.

The typhoon's path is expected to impact manufacturing hubs Guangdong and Guangxi, as well as Shanghai and Shenzhen. Ferry services in Shanghai have been suspended, and nearly 20 high-speed trains have been cancelled between Shenzhen and several other cities. Zhejiang and Fujian have also halted numerous high-speed train services.

Major ports, including Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world's busiest by cargo, have suspended container operations and cancelled nearly all passenger ferry services. In Wenzhou, authorities have raised their typhoon emergency response to Level 2, halting outdoor activities, classes, work, and public transport. Scenic spots and tourist attractions along affected coastlines are closed to the public.