Strong winds and heavy rainfall battered the coastal city of Shenzhen as one of the most powerful typhoons in years approached southern China.

Waves pounded the Dameisha Beach recreational area on Wednesday morning. Outdoor spaces were cleared, and public transportation was suspended from late Tuesday in preparation for Typhoon Ragasa.

Over 1 million people were relocated in the Guangdong province, according to the Department of Emergency Management of Guangdong province.

China’s National Meteorological Center forecast the typhoon would make landfall in the coastal area between Taishan and Zhanjiang cities in Guangdong between midday and evening Wednesday.

Heavy rainfalls are tagging along in the majority of Guangdong and nearby Fujian province.

AP Video by Olivia Zhang