BEIJING — Typhoon Kong-rey has downgraded to a tropical storm as of last night and is anticipated to bring significant rainfall and strong winds to Shanghai and various regions along China’s eastern coastline on Friday.

On Thursday, the storm impacted Taiwan with typhoon force, resulting in fallen trees and landslides that obstructed roads and caused damage to properties. Unfortunately, two fatalities were reported alongside over 500 individuals sustaining injuries.

In Taiwan’s eastern Hualien province, officials announced that communication had been reestablished with a Czech couple who had been unaccounted for. The pair, who had set up camp in Taroko National Park, are reportedly in good health, according to statements from the Central News Agency.

Kong-rey, a name originating from Cambodia, is currently moving northeast along the Chinese coastline and is predicted to make landfall in Zhejiang province on Friday afternoon before moving back out to sea, as indicated by the National Meteorological Center.

The storm’s passage is expected to significantly impact Shanghai and parts of both Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, with rainfall totaling between 10 to 12 centimeters (approximately 4 to 5 inches) anticipated in certain areas.

In preparation for the approaching storm, multiple ferry services in Zhejiang and the adjacent Fujian province have been suspended.

Meanwhile, light rain was observed on Friday morning in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, while schools and businesses across the island resumed operations, with public services largely back to normal.

Earlier in the week, the typhoon moved past the Philippines, triggering fresh evacuations just days following the deadly Tropical Storm Trami, which claimed the lives of at least 145 people. Additionally, overwhelming rainfall linked to Trami led to the deaths of seven individuals in Hainan province, China, as the storm made its way past this island renowned for its beach resorts, located off the southern coastline of the country.