Beijing: Authorities in eastern China shut schools and tourist sites as Typhoon Dolphin made its way towards land on Saturday.
The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at about 162 kilometres per hour (101 mph).
It will bring heavy rains, creating a risk of severe flooding as well as landslides. It's expected to hit Zhejiang province and northern parts of neighbouring Fujian province late Sunday. Shanghai is also in the path of the storm.
National authorities declared a level III emergency response, the second lowest level.
Many tourist destinations in Zhejiang are closed on Saturday and Sunday, as are all water-based activities, including ferries and cruises. Authorities in the city of Ningbo, one of the province's largest, ordered schools and other educational facilities shut this weekend.