Saomai strengthened to a super typhoon Wednesday morning, and is currently sweeping west-northwestward around 20 mph. Landfall is anticipated near midnight tonight, U.S. Eastern time, along the Chinese coast well south of Shanghai between Wenzhou and Fuzhou China
Currently packing estimated maximum sustained winds of 160 mph with gusts to 195 mph (this would be a category 5 storm if it was in the Atlantic Basin), Saomai will be the strongest landfalling typhoon this season along the Chinese coast. Wenzhou, with a population estimated around 2.5 million to Xiapu, China could take a direct hit from Saomai's eyewall. Coastal water surges up to 24 feet are possible as Saomai makes landfall. Major structural damage, flooding and power outages are likely as this monster storm roars ashore. The threat for a major loss of life with this system are possible.
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