Commuters brave strong winds as typhoon Merbok moves near Hong Kong on June 12, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Rains brought by Merbok will last until Friday and affect the provinces of Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan, said Dong Lin, chief forecaster at the center.

"Merbok will bring very strong gusts. The intensity of winds will abate when the eye of the typhoon passes, but strong gusts may make a sudden comeback, so people should remain sheltered," Dong warned.