Alright folks here's the latest updates.

The meteorological bureau has issued several alerts:

- Yellow Rain Alert, which means Shanghai is going to get drenched to the degree that transportation will be disrupted.

- Blue Typhoon Alert, this indicates strong winds with the possibility if increasing in severity.

- Level 3 Flood Warning, which will impact people in areas prone to flooding particularly coastal areas, and near rivers.

Typhoon Location:

The Typhoon Update is coming in hot: Typhoon "Kong-rey," our 21st name-storm of the year, touched down earlier today on Taiwan's Taitung coast. She downgraded a bit, from a "super typhoon" to just a "very strong typhoon," but hey, when the winds are still pushing 48 m/s and the pressure's at 945 hPa, it's nothing to scoff at.

Practically speaking, leave work early today so you can head home without getting stuck in heavy rains.

Adjusted Timeline for Heavy Rainfall:

The period for the heaviest rainfall has been updated: now expected between tonight and tomorrow evening, with the most significant downpour forecast between 2 AM and 8 PM tomorrow (November 1). Areas like Jiading and Baoshan may see over 200mm of rainfall, particularly in the northern parts of these districts.

School Closures:

The current forecast level is at an Orange Alert, if the situation intensifies, particularly with increased wind and rain, Shanghai could upgrade the alert level to Red, which might prompt school closures in certain areas. The education commission is currently assessing the situation, and further updates will be based on the severity of the conditions once Typhoon Kong-rey moves further inland.

Universities Move Classes Online:

Multiple universities in Shanghai have moved classes online for today (October 31) and tomorrow (November 1). This includes Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai Normal University, and East China University of Science and Technology. The decision has been made to ensure safety amid the heavy rain and potential storm disruptions.

Railway Disruptions:

Temporary suspension of certain train services passing through key lines (such as Hangshen, Hukun, and Hanghai High-Speed Rail) has been announced for October 31 and November 1. The railway authorities have taken these measures to ensure passenger safety in anticipation of adverse weather conditions.

As of Right Now, Here are the Official Government Recommendations for Today and Friday:

• Stay Home – If it's not absolutely necessary, stay put. Those doors and windows? Make sure they're buttoned up nice and tight.
• Driving – On the roads for tonight's evening rush? Keep your eyes peeled for flash floods. Some of those intersections are gonna turn into paddling pools, so take it slow. If you see water pooling up – steer clear. Better safe than sorry.
• Power Stuff – Got outdoor electricals around your building? Cut that power. Also, if you're doing any outdoor work today – or, I dunno, if you're the type to clean out the gutters in the middle of a typhoon – maybe don't. Let's keep it cautious, Shanghai.
• Drainage Check – This one's for you farmers, fishpond folks, and anyone managing drainage systems – better go give your ditches, fields, and ponds a once-over. Take all those necessary anti-flooding precautions.

The government's already rolling out its own countermeasures, so let's do our part to keep things dry and above water.

More Pro Tips for the Typhoon Battle

• No Outdoor Group Activities: If you're that guy in charge of the team-building picnic, go ahead and cancel. This isn't the day for it. Oh, and no rooftop construction or any sort of outdoor high-up activities – this weather will make you regret it.
• Boats, Take Cover: To any mariners out there, time to start docking or figuring out a detour. This wind's gonna be no joke.
• Secure Loose Stuff: Shout-out to anyone managing construction sites, balconies, or storefronts – those banners, billboards, scaffolding? Get 'em locked down. This wind's coming hard, and you don't want your signs parachuting down Nanjing Road.

Driving Conditions:

• Lights On: Visibility's gonna drop. Use those headlights. It's not just a smart move – it's the law. Near lights plus fog lights if it's a downpour, full "headlights plus front and rear fog lights" if we're getting torrential.
  
• Avoid Flood Zones: Stick to main roads. Avoid those underpasses, tunnels, and anywhere that's notorious for becoming a mini Venice. If you have to cross a water-logged road, go slow, use a low gear, and never, ever plow through water higher than half your tire. Just don't.
  
• Hold That Wheel: If you're on the highway – watch out. Crosswinds are no joke, and those gusts hit hardest around bridge entrances, exits, and tunnel mouths. Grip that steering wheel like your life depends on it (it might!).
  

Stay safe out there Shanghai.

As usual, be sure to start our account so you get timeline updates. We're maintaining a lookout for announcements regarding closures of metro, train stations, and airports, so we'll update you as soon as any updates are released.

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