According to the latest news from the Taiwan Meteorological Administration (CWA), as of 2:00 p.m. on September 29, Typhoon Krathon was located about 430 km southeast of Cape Eluanbi in Pingtung County, the southernmost tip of Taiwan (China).
Data from the CWA shows the storm moving west-northwest at 9 km/h. Maximum sustained winds were 119 km/h, with gusts up to 155 km/h.
Typhoon forecaster Wu Wan-hua said Krathon was expected to move further west before turning north next Tuesday.
The latest forecast shows a higher chance of the storm making landfall in Pingtung County, depending on when the storm turns north.
Wu warned that southern Taiwan could be hit harder if the storm turns north later than expected. Heavy rain is forecast for northern Taiwan, Keelung, mountainous areas around the Taipei-Keelung Metropolitan Area, and the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung, especially on Monday, with the exception of areas along the northern coast.
The CWA warned that Krathon is still expanding and has the potential to strengthen after upgrading to a typhoon on the morning of September 29. Wu said a warning for the mainland could be issued around Sunday night or early Monday morning, and the storm's periphery is likely to reach Taiwan by Monday afternoon.
In this context, the regional authorities have urged people to stay away from coastal and mountainous areas. People are advised to prepare for possible flooding, and access to dangerous areas is restricted or prohibited, which will be enforced by the police and Coast Guard.
In Kaohsiung, the city's Water Resources Bureau has released all 25 reservoirs, which have a combined capacity of 4.98 million cubic meters of rainwater, to cope with the situation. The city experienced severe flooding in late July due to Typhoon Gaemi.
In addition, after the CWA issued a maritime warning for vessels operating in the Bashi Channel at 8:30 a.m. on September 29, the Taiwan (China) Emergency Operations Center opened to respond to the storm.
Dawuluan Beach and Chaojing Park in Keelung have been closed since noon on September 29, and pre-booked visits to Keelung Island will be canceled starting September 30. In particular, access to Guishan Island off the coast of Yilan County has also been suspended from the morning of September 29 to October 2.
Given the complex weather situation, tourists planning to visit the above areas should pay attention to continuously updating weather information from official sources.
If you are planning to travel to affected areas, consider postponing or canceling your trip to ensure your safety and a complete travel experience.
If you are in an affected area and cannot evacuate, strictly follow instructions from local authorities.
