Typhoon Ewiniar, the third to threaten China this year, is heading toward the offshore area of southeast China's Zhejiang Province packing winds of more than 195 km an hour.

 

The eye of storm was about 900 km from the provincial coastline, experts with the provincial meteorological observatory told Xinhua News Agency at midnight on Friday.

 

The typhoon is tracking in a northwesterly direction at 10 to 15 km per hour, according to the observatory.

 

Evacuation orders have been given in some low-lying coastal areas of the province. Meteorologists said if the storm comes ashore it will likely be with reduced winds of about 115 km an hour.

 

Ships and boats have also been required to return to harbors ahead of the typhoon.

 

The observatory forecasts the cities of Taizhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Shaoxing will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the night with more than 50 mm of rainfall expected.

 

Strong winds will also hit the province on Saturday and last until Sunday, the observatory said.

 

Typhoon Ewiniar formed on July 1 in the Pacific, east of Philippines.

 

In May and June, Typhoon Chanchu and Typhoon Jelawat hit south China provinces, causing more than 10 deaths and huge property losses.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2006)