Philippines/Taiwan: Mangkhut heads toward Philippines, Taiwan Sep. 14-16 /update 1

Event

Super Typhoon Mangkhut is moving westward from Guam and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the northern Philippines and Taiwan on Friday, September 14, to Sunday, September 16. Mangkhut, also named "Ompong" in the Philippines, is the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to strengthen slightly over the next several days. The storm is heading westward and is forecast to curve to the north, passing through the Luzon Strait before arriving on mainland China, near Hong Kong and the Pearl River delta region. Mangkhut is also expected to affect the southern Ryokyu Islands. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in the affected regions; flooding and landslides are also possible.

As of 08:00 on Tuesday, Mangkhut was located 2150 km (1440 mi) east of Manila and producing sustained winds of 222 km/h (138 mph) with gusts up to 270 km/h (168 mph). Mangkhut is expected to strengthen to sustained winds of 250 km/h (155 mph) beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Friday.

Context

Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the west Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.