Critical Risks to China’s Power Distribution Networks from Tropical Cyclone Compound Hazards: An Hourly-Scale Analysis

Tropical cyclone (TCs) -induced compound wind-rain disasters pose escalating threats to China's power distribution networks through synergistic damage mechanisms, demanding urgent characterization of their intensity thresholds and spatial patterns for resilience enhancement. As one of the most TC-affected countries globally, China provides a crucial case for assessing these threats. In this study, we analyze observational hourly data from 2479 meteorological stations to quantify the evolving risks posed by TC-induced compound wind-rain hazards. Our results reveal a high frequency of TC compound impacts along the Shandong-South China coast, with peak occurrences in June and September, primarily driven by East China landfall and westward-moving offshore TCs. Meanwhile, as these cyclones penetrate further inland and northward, they produce record-breaking rainfall and extreme wind speeds across affected regions. Both patterns critically endanger power grids, with coastal areas facing recurrent compound stresses and interior zones confronting acute extremes—each escalating cascading failure risks. By integrating distribution network exposure and environmental susceptibility indices, we identify not only long-established high-risk areas along China’s southeastern coastline but also emerging vulnerabilities in northern cities such as Beijing, Baoding, and Zibo—urban centers unaccustomed to the destructive forces of TCs. These findings emphasize the need for climate-adaptive grid design, stronger emergency preparedness, and updated engineering standards to address rising climate risks.