On the morning of October 2, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said super typhoon Krathon had weakened into a typhoon as it moved towards Taiwan (China).
According to the China Weather Administration (CWA), as of 9:00 a.m. this morning (local time), the storm's center was located 160 km southwest of Kaohsiung City and was moving north-northeast at a speed of 7 km/h.
With a wind radius of up to 220 km, Krathon had a maximum wind speed of 173 km/h, gusting to 209 km/h. The intensity has decreased significantly compared to the wind speed of 198 km/h and gusting to 245 km/h measured on the night of October 1.
According to CWA forecast, by 8:00 a.m. on October 3 (local time), Krathon is expected to make landfall, with the storm center located about 40 km north-northwest of Kaohsiung City.
CWA forecasters warn that although Krathon will weaken as it passes Taiwan, it will still bring strong winds and heavy rain.
In response to the storm, Taiwanese authorities have ordered schools and offices to close. In the port city of Kaohsiung, which lies directly in the path of the storm, residents have been advised to stay home and stay away from the sea, rivers and mountains.
Taiwan is regularly hit by typhoons, but they usually hit along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast. But Krathon will hit the island's flat western plains.
The CWA predicts the typhoon will make landfall in Kaohsiung and the neighboring city of Tainan early on Tuesday (local time), then move up the west coast toward the capital Taipei. Hundreds of flights will be canceled on Tuesday.
The weather agency warned that the storm has weakened, but the threat of rising sea levels, strong winds and heavy rains remains, requiring residents and visitors to be cautious and well prepared.
If you are planning to travel to areas affected by Typhoon Krathon in the next few days, consider postponing or canceling your trip to ensure your safety. After the storm weakens, you should monitor warnings from local authorities, service providers, and airlines.
