Typhoon Nesat hit Hainan Island in South China Thursday after it struck Hong Kong, forcing markets, schools and businesses to close in what is one of the continent's most important financial centers.

China has evacuated around 300,000 people from the southern resort island of Hainan, ahead of the storm hitting its east coast, the country's Xinhua News Agency added.

The typhoon has already hit the Philippines and Hong Kong, in that order. It left at least 35 people dead and 45 missing in the Philippines, while no deaths were reported from Hong Kong.

All flights and high-speed railway services to the resort city of Sanya in Hainan were canceled ahead of Typhoon Nesat. The provincial government has ordered all departments, including fire, police and transportation to take measures that help ensure a minimum impact from the storm

In addition to Hainan, Nesat is also forecast to cause downpours in provinces including Guangxi, Hunan and Jiangxi in the 24 hours to 2 p.m. local time tomorrow, according to the Chinese weather agency.

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