A tropical depression near the northwestern Philippines is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Danas by early tomorrow, becoming the fourth tropical storm of the season, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).
As of 8am today, the system was located approximately 370 kilometers southwest of Taiwan's southern tip, Cape Eluanbi, and has developed a more organized structure, forecaster Lee Meng-hsuan (李孟軒) said.
The storm is currently moving slowly toward the Taiwan Strait in an east-northeast direction and may trigger a sea warning if it reaches tropical storm strength tomorrow morning.
Photo courtesy of the Central Weather Administration
The system is expected to shift direction later tomorrow toward the north or northeast, and is expected to pass closest to Taiwan between Sunday and Monday morning, with a high likelihood of passing over the Taiwan Strait.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated on Sunday, especially in southern and southeastern mountainous areas, while other regions may experience localized downpours.
Lee cautioned, however, that the system's path remains uncertain and should be closely watched.
Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) also warned today that the storm's most severe impact is expected between Sunday and early Monday, and he stressed that "the threat to Taiwan should not be underestimated."
Ferry services between Taitung County, Green Island (綠島) and Orchid Island (Lanyu, 蘭嶼) are to be canceled on Sunday due to safety concerns, and those between Pingtung County’s Donggang Township (東港) and Siaoliuciou Island (小琉球) are also to be canceled on Sunday, operators said today.
Additional reporting by Fion Khan
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