Tropical storm Talim to batter China

Talim, the year's fifth tropical storm, will hit southeastern China between Tuesday night and Wednesday. China's meteorological authorities have already warned of gales and floods on the country's southern and eastern coasts.

The storm evolved from a tropical depression at midnight Monday. It's about 230 km from the city of Wenchang in the southernmost island province of Hainan.

Talim is expected to bring strong winds and severe weather to Hainan, Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.

Heavy rains brought by a tropical depression hit Qionghai, Hainan Province on Sunday, June 17, 2012. [Xinhua]?

The meteorological authorities have also advised vessels to take shelter in ports or detour around the storm area. Meanwhile, disaster relief authorities have warned of possible disasters caused by the storm. They urge local civil affairs agencies to closely monitor the tropical storm and issue early warnings to the public.?