SHANGHAI - Shanghai Meteorological Bureau issued a yellow alert on Saturday morning for Typhoon Muifa, which would be the ninth such storm to hit the country this year. The bureau said chances of issuing a critical alert depended on further developments.

The bureau said that Muifa was most likely to land in the coastal region from Zhoushan of Zhejiang province to Qidong of Jiangsu province but did not rule out the possibility of the storm turning north. Since Muifa is considered as powerful as Typhoon Masta, which caused 150 million yuan ($23 million) in damage in 2005, Shanghai's municipal government has put all local departments on emergency status to prepare for its approach.

"We were reminded to check the drainage system on balconies and advised to close windows and move all outside objects indoors," said 29-year-old Qiao Si, a resident in Changning district.

The city suggested that residents stay at home rather than go outside, even if this may disrupt romantic plans, since Saturday was the Qixi festival, the Chinese Valentine's Day.

"My Qixi festival is ruined by Muifa," said 30-year-old Zhong Zheng who works for a textile company in Shanghai, "I planned to watch a movie with my girlfriend but now it has to be canceled."

Shanghai Municipal Afforestation and the City Appearance Bureau said that all outdoor advertisements, shop signboards, neon lighting and outdoor lighting that use electricity would be checked in advance and would be switched off if the orange typhoon alert is issued.

Drainage systems and trees planted on more than 100 roads in the city had been randomly checked, and emergency rescue crews are on standby.

The operation team of the Shanghai Metro said the speed of above-ground trains would be limited and the transportation route shortened if the typhoon alert is raised to orange. A few lines could be suspended based on circumstances.

The Shanghai Tourist Bureau said that all tours close to the coast of Zhejiang province would be suspended during the weekend.

Tourists can change plans or get refunds.

In addition, all outdoor construction projects are to be suspended and workers urged to stay indoors, according to an emergency notice issued by the Shanghai Construction Management Office.

All outdoor events during the weekend have been delayed or canceled, such as the summer movies.

The China Pavilion at the Expo 2010 site will also be closed temporarily on Sunday.

China Daily

(China Daily 08/07/2011 page2)