Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon to hit China's coast this year, brought heavy downpours and strong gales to southern regions Friday, forcing evacuations, canceling flights and trains, and shutting down schools and businesses.

The storm is forecast to track along the western coast of Hainan before approaching Leizhou Peninsula. The storm has been lingering close to shore, oscillating between potential landfall and offshore movement, according to the latest update from the Central Meteorological Observatory.

In preparation, authorities in Ledong Li autonomous county in the southwest of Hainan have relocated 1,325 people to safety as of 9 am Friday. Local officials also set up free temporary shelters for pregnant women in mountainous and coastal areas.