Taiwan: Transportation disruptions as Typhoon Lekima approaches August 8 /update 2

Event

Typhoon Lekima has caused significant transportation disruptions, including flight and ferry service cancelations, across parts of Taiwan as of Thursday, August 8. Ferry companies have reportedly suspended service in eastern Taiwan until Saturday, August 10. There are also reports of flight disruptions, including delays and cancelations, at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). Taiwanese authorities have called for businesses, schools, and markets to close on Friday, August 9, due to the approaching storm.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau (CWB) issued sea and land warnings on Wednesday, August 7, as Typhoon Lekima continues to track north-northwest of its northeastern coast. Land warnings are in effect for Keelung, Yilan county, New Taipei City, Taipei City, and Hualien county. Lekima is forecast to pass northeastern Taiwan on August 9, before moving towards southeastern China. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to central and northeastern Taiwan and preparations are ongoing to prevent flooding along the country’s east coast. All riverside parking areas in Taipei City will be closed from 07:00 (local time) on Thursday until the storm passes. Highway officials also warned that parts of Provincial Highways 2, 7, and 9 may be closed as a precaution.

As of Thursday evening, Typhoon Lekima is located at approximately 24.5 °N 124.9°E (map here), exhibiting maximum wind speeds of 240 kph (150 mph). The storm - rated a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale - is moving northwest at 30 kph (19 mph). Flooding, landslides, power outages, and further transportation disruptions, including flight delays and road closures, are possible across Taiwan in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.