According to the latest weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 8:00 a.m. on October 31 (local time), the center of storm Kong-rey was located at approximately 21.7 degrees North latitude - 122.3 degrees East longitude, about 110km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
The super typhoon is moving west at a speed of about 20km/h. The strongest wind near the storm's center is maintained at 195km/h, with gusts of up to 240km/h.
"Super Typhoon Kong-rey will reach its peak intensity as it passes near Batanes province. However, a direct landfall in the province is becoming less likely," said PAGASA weather forecaster Nathaniel Servando.
Super Typhoon Kong-rey is expected to move northwest across the northernmost waters of Luzon until making landfall on the east coast of Taiwan (China) this afternoon (October 31).
After crossing mainland Taiwan (China), Super Typhoon Kong-rey will turn northeast through the Taiwan Strait (China), towards the East China Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight (October 31) or early tomorrow morning (November 1). The possibility of the typhoon making landfall in mainland China during this time cannot be ruled out.
Super Typhoon Kong-rey could weaken into a typhoon in the next 12 hours before making landfall in Taiwan (China). Interaction with the mountainous region of Taiwan (China) could cause the typhoon to continue its weakening trend throughout the remainder of the forecast period.
In the face of the developments of super typhoon Kong-rey, people and tourists planning to visit the Philippines and Taiwan (China) during this time should pay attention to weather forecasts and check flight schedules to proactively plan their itinerary and ensure safety.
Travelers in affected areas should follow the instructions of local authorities. Taiwan (China) has closed many tourist attractions and suspended major activities ahead of the landfall of Super Typhoon Kong-rey. All cities and counties on the island have declared public holidays, financial markets and schools have been closed, and flights have been canceled as the storm is expected to be the strongest to hit Taiwan (China) in 30 years.
