BEIJING - CHINA was bracing for the arrival of tropical storm Higos on Friday, warning sailors to take shelter in ports as heavy wind and torrential rain were expected to hit the south of the country.

Higos, which disrupted flights and ferry service in the Philippines earlier this week, was expected to hit the southern island of Hainan late on Friday or early Saturday, the national meteorological centre said.

The storm, currently moving northwest at the speed of 20 kilometres an hour, could also change course, brush by Hainan and move towards the southern province of Guangdong on Friday, according to the centre.

Higos arrives just over a week after Typhoon Hagupit left at least 18 people dead in China when it swept through the south of the country. -- AFP