Tropical storm Higos makes landfall in Hainan Province

The 17th tropical storm this year has made landfall in south China's Hainan Province.

Vessels drive back to a port in Haikou, capital  of south China's Hainan Province Oct. 3, 2008.  Higos, the 17th tropical storm this year, will  drop heavy rain on parts of south China's Guangdong  and Hainan provinces over the next two days, the  country's National Meteorological Observatory said  on Thursday.(Xinhua Photo)

Higos landed in Longlou Town, Wenchang City and was forecast to weaken and move northwest toward the coastal areas of Guangdong Province. The storm is causing torrential rains, prompting the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters to activate a third degree emergency response for possible flooding.

Thousands of fishing boats are back in port, and all recreational activities in the air or on the water have been suspended. Flights in Hainan and ferries off the Qiongzhou Straits have also been affected.

Torrential rains and strong winds are expected to hit Guizhou, Hubei and Hunan Provinces in the next two days.