GUANGZHOU- Sarika, the year's third tropical storm, landed south China' Guangdong Province early Saturday, becoming the first to land in China this year.

The tropical storm hit Haojiang District, Shantou City at 5:45 a.m., with the wind speed of 72 km per hour at the center, said the provincial meteorological station.

Moving northward after landing, the tropical storm is expected to bring heavy rains and winds to cities of Shantou, Meizhou, Jieyang and Chaozhou, according to the station.