Malou, the ninth tropical storm this year, is gaining power as it moves northwestward and was expected to bring gusty winds to east China coastal areas, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said Sunday.

The national weather forecaster said Malou was moving northwestward at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometers per hour and was expected to gain power further during the day.

Influenced by the storm, Taiwan, eastern coastal areas of Zhejiang Province and some parts along the Yangtze River would brace for gales over the next 24 hours.

The NMC advised ships and fishing boats to take preventive measures against strong winds.

Separately, the NMC forecast most parts of north China would experience a drop in temperature over the next 72 hours as the cold front began to take control.

In addition, heavy rains would hit southwest China, areas along the Yellow River and Huaihe River over the next three days, increasing risks of new landslides and floods, the NMC warned.