The nation's north is bracing for Typhoon Khanun, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds tonight and tomorrow, the Central Weather Bureau said.
At 8.30pm yesterday, Khanun was located 770km east of Oluanpi (鵝鑾鼻), the southern tip of Taiwan, traveling at a speed of 23kph to the northwest and packing sustained winds of 144kph gusting to 180kph.
The center of the storm is predicted to sweep past the north of the island tomorrow morning, at which time winds near the center could gust to more than 230kph, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
The bureau issued a sea warning at 5:30pm yesterday, reminding vessels to stay clear of waters to the north and east of Taiwan.
Only a slight change in course would place Taipei City, Taipei County, Keelung and Ilan near the center of the typhoon.
Because of Khanun's approach, the Alishan Mountain train service in Chiayi County will be canceled today.
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