Is It Safe to Take the Subway During Typhoon Rainstorms? What to Do If a Station Floods?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Transportation to · 更新 at 2026-10-07
Taking the Subway During Typhoons: Risk Assessment and Decision-Making Logic
Although modern subway systems are equipped with multiple flood prevention facilities, such as water barriers, high-power drainage pumps, and waterproof gates, which can withstand conventional heavy rain, there is still a risk of rainwater backflow in scenarios involving extreme torrential rain caused by typhoons or the superposition of "storm surges + astronomical high tides." Therefore, safety is not absolute; it depends on real-time rainfall conditions and the city's emergency response level.
When meteorological departments issue Red Alerts for heavy rain or high-level typhoon warnings, many regions will activate the "Five Suspensions" measures (suspension of classes, work, production, transportation, and business). Please note that specific suspension criteria and implementation times are subject to official announcements issued by local governments and transport operators. Around the time of typhoon landfall, the most rational approach is to "avoid going out unless necessary." If travel is unavoidable, be sure to confirm via official channels whether the subway is operating normally. Once you receive a suspension notice or see stations closed, do not force your way in or linger; immediately adjust your plans and seek other safe shelters.
Emergency Shelter: Survival Rules When Water Accumulates in Stations
If you unfortunately find yourself in a subway station where water levels are rising rapidly, panic is your greatest enemy. Please remain calm and strictly follow the "Four Dos and Four Don'ts" principle:
- Do follow instructions, do not crowd: Staff members are familiar with the station layout and emergency plans and will guide passengers to evacuate through the nearest safe exits. Pushing and running are strictly prohibited to prevent stampede accidents.
- Do stay away from live electrical components, do not touch equipment: Accumulated water may cause electric leakage. Quickly move away from ticket gates, escalators, advertising light boxes, and socket panels on walls. If you feel a tingling sensation in your feet, immediately leave the area by hopping on one foot or moving with both feet together in small steps to break the current circuit.
- Do move to higher ground, do not wade through water blindly: If exits are submerged and evacuation is impossible, quickly move to areas with higher elevation, such as the platform level or up the stairs. Do not attempt to swim or forcibly cross deep water zones, as manhole covers may be missing or sharp debris may be present underwater.
- Do maintain communication, do not drain battery power: While ensuring your own safety, use your mobile phone to send distress messages to friends, family, or rescue agencies, specifying your exact location. Then, close non-essential applications, enable power-saving mode, and conserve battery life while awaiting rescue.
Daily Prevention: Building Personal Disaster Resilience
Typhoon rainfall is characterized by sudden onset and significant local variations. Even if the highest warning level has not been reached, low-lying areas may experience sudden urban waterlogging. It is recommended to cultivate the following habits:
- Dynamic route planning: Check real-time radar maps and traffic conditions before leaving home to avoid known flood-prone areas. If heavy rainfall is forecast, prioritize working from home or postponing non-urgent trips.
- Keep an emergency kit handy: Carry a portable charger, high-energy food (such as chocolate), a small amount of drinking water, and common first-aid medicines. These supplies are crucial if trapped for several hours to a day.
- Verify information authenticity: Do not believe or spread rumors. Base all actions on authoritative releases from meteorological departments and traffic management authorities.
Remember, life safety always takes precedence over commuting efficiency. In the face of extreme weather, moderate "retreat" is the wisest form of self-protection.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TaifengSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.