Red Alert In Zhejiang Ahead Of Typhoon Lekima

China has issued its top warning for coastal areas of Zhejiang province ahead of the arrival of a strong typhoon.

Heavy rain was expected in Zhejiang, Shanghai and nearby provinces on Friday before Typhoon Lekima hits land on Saturday morning, then weakens as it moves north.

The powerful storm has already wreaked havoc in Taiwan. It's been blamed for at least one death in the Taipei area.

Three other people were injured.

Heavy rain was expected for much of the island, and parts of northern Taiwan closed offices and suspended classes on Friday as the storm passed the region.

The red alert issued by mainland authorities is the most serious in its four-tired alert system, prompting them to prepare evacuations, suspend train and air travel and require vessels to return to port.

In Zhejiang, ferry service had been cancelled and more than 200 tourists evacuated from the popular Beiji island.

The National Meteorological Centre said Lekima was gusting at 209 kph and traveling northwesterly at 13 kph. (additional reporting by AP)

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