China braces for heavy downpours from typhoon Higos

A tropical depression in the northeast of the South China Sea intensified into a typhoon at around 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to the meteorological department of Hainan Province, Xinhua reports.

The typhoon will land in coastal areas ranging from the western part of Guangdong to the northeastern part of Hainan on Wednesday. Provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, Yunnan and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will have torrential rains starting from Wednesday, the meteorological department said.

The emergency management department of Hainan has issued a typhoon alert, warning that fishing boats and other vessels should return to harbors.

Meteorologists also alerted relevant areas to take preventive measures and guard against secondary disasters. Tourists are advised not to go out when heavy rain and gales hit the areas.