Classes cancelled and public transport halted as typhoon slams into China

Local authorities in the cities of Fangchenggang and Beihai suspended classes, public transit and outdoor construction work as officials warned of torrential rains and storm surges

A fallen tree blocks a road amid the passage of Typhoon Talim in Qinzhou in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Hu Xingyu/Xinhua/AP)

Typhoon Talim has torn across the southern provinces of China, toppling trees and signboards before weakening to a tropical storm.

Talim landed in the coastal city of Beihai, Guangxi province, at 5.45am local time on Tuesday, with wind speeds of 56mph, according to state media, citing the regional meteorological bureau.