Typhoon Saudel is expected to pass closest to Taiwan on Thursday and Friday as it moves over waters to the north, having already progressed to a strong typhoon, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said today.
The typhoon is not expected to make landfall in Taiwan, but its path remains unclear, it said.
Saudel strengthened into a strong moderate typhoon this afternoon with sustained winds near the center reaching 183.6kph, although it is expected to weaken somewhat by Wednesday, it added.
Photo courtesy of the Central Weather Administration
Storm-force winds are expected to affect northern Taiwan and Lienchiang County, while northern Taiwan and mountainous areas of central Taiwan should be on high alert for heavy or torrential rain from Thursday evening, the agency said.
The typhoon remains in distant waters to the east of Taiwan, as it is expected to continue moving toward the Ryuku Islands through Wednesday as it gradually weakens, the CWA said.
Meanwhile, eastern and southern Taiwan remain under a torrential or extremely heavy rain advisory in effect through tomorrow morning.
Tropical Depression TD24 made landfall in China’s Fujian Province this afternoon, while Taiwan continues to experience the effects of a southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system, CWA forecaster Yeh Chih-chun (葉致均) said.
As of 3pm today, Hualien and Taitung counties had recorded 367mm of accumulated rainfall each, with Pingtung County receiving 270mm and Yunlin County, Tainan and Kaohsiung each recording more than 200mm, he said.
Heavy to extremely heavy rain in southern Taiwan, Taitung and mountainous areas of Hualien is expected to gradually ease after nightfall, he said.
Looking to tomorrow, strong southeasterly winds are expected to affect the northern coast of Keelung and northeastern Taiwan in the morning, with localized heavy rain possible, he added.
From Saturday to Monday next week, central and southern Taiwan would see occasional showers, while other areas would likely experience afternoon thunderstorms, he added.
Those on the northern coast of Keelung, eastern Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) and Lienchiang should prepare for long-period waves and rough coastal conditions, he said.
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