25 Sep 2018 | 06:59 AM UTC
Taiwan/Japan/Philippines: New super typhoon rapidly intensifies Sep. 25 /update 1
Super Typhoon Trami rapidly intensifies as it moves slowly toward Taiwan on September 25; strong winds and rainfall expected to affect northern Philippines, Taiwan, and Ryukyu Islands on September 27-30
Event
Super Typhoon Trami, also known as Paeng in the Philippines, rapidly intensified in the western Pacific and is the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane as of Tuesday morning (local time), September 25. The storm quickly grew from a tropical depression on September 22, as it moved westward. Trami is forecast to stall before turning northwestward on Friday, September 28, and then curving to the northeast beginning Saturday, September 29. As of 08:00 on Tuesday, the typhoon is located 950 km (590 mi) southwest of Taipei. Trami is producing sustained winds of 260 km/h (161 mph) and gusts of 315 km/h (195 mph), though it is predicted to weaken slightly over the next several days.
The far northern areas of Luzon (Philippines) that were hit by Typhoon Mangkhut, such as Cagayan and Ilocos Norte, will likely experience strong winds and rain that could cause further damage, including landslides. Typhoon warnings may be raised beginning Thursday, September 27. Central and northern Taiwan is also likely to be hit by the storm's western edge beginning Friday, with the worst effects over the weekend, while the Ryukyu Islands will receive a more direct hit from the storm around Saturday. The storm's path may change in the coming days and slight variations could result in dramatically different effects on land.
Context
Tropical cyclones and typhoon as common in the western Pacific from June through November. Typhoon Mangkhut hit the northern Philippines on September 15, killing more than 100 people.
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.
