According to Science and Technology Daily, after a long trek of 6,000 kilometers, this year's 13th typhoon, 'Dolphin,' made landfall along the coast of Kanmen Subdistrict, Yuhuan City, Zhejiang Province, China, at around 5:30 p.m. on August 9. At the time of landfall, the maximum wind force near its center reached level 14 (42 m/s).
Chief meteorological forecaster Dong Lin from the National Meteorological Center introduced that 'Dolphin' featured a long-range oceanic path and an exceptionally long life span, becoming the first typhoon on record to form near the International Date Line and make landfall in China with at least tropical storm intensity.
Dong Lin pointed out that 'Dolphin' has three notable characteristics: First, an exceptionally long-range oceanic path and extended lifespan. It formed on the western side of the International Date Line on July 27, covered a path of over 6,000 kilometers before landfall, and has a lifespan exceeding 15 days—more than three times that of an average typhoon; second, explosive intensification and sustained high intensity. Within 48 hours of its formation, 'Dolphin' rapidly intensified from tropical storm to super typhoon, reaching a peak intensity of 65 m/s (above level 17), making it the second strongest typhoon of the year so far. It maintained super typhoon strength for as long as 5.5 days, and has remained at strong typhoon strength or above for nine days; third, a massive circulation and extensive wind and rain impact. The radius of its force 7 wind circle reached 420 to 450 kilometers, with a circulation diameter of up to 1,300 kilometers. It is expected that before landfall, the East China Sea will experience over three consecutive days of strong winds, most of eastern China will see heavy rainstorms, with some localized cumulative rainfall exceeding 600 millimeters.
Dong Lin especially noted that a typhoon's danger level is not directly related to whether it is formed over the open ocean or nearshore—typhoons generated near the coast can also cause significant damage.