Taiwan Strait: Tropical Storm Haikui tracking west-northwestward across the Taiwan Strait as of late Sept. 4 /update 7

Event

Tropical Storm Haikui is tracking west-northwestward across the Taiwan Strait late Sept. 4, having passed over southern Taiwan Sept. 3-early Sept. 4. As of 20:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 346 km (215 miles) west-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken as it tracks continues to track west-northwestward before making landfall over southwestern Fujian Province, mainland China, early Sept. 5. The storm will likely weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks slowly westward across eastern Guangdong Province through early Sept. 6 before dissipating over central Guangdong Province late Sept. 6. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Sept. 4, the China Meteorological Administration has issued yellow typhoon and rainstorm warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) due to heavy rainfall forecast across parts of southeastern China, including eastern Fujian, eastern Guangdong, and southern Zhejiang, as well as rough seas in surrounding waters. Rainfall totals of 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) are possible in parts of the affected area.

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau is maintaining typhoon warnings for Penghu and Kinmen counties and vessels navigating and operating in the northern and southern Taiwan Straits are advised to be on strict alert due to rough seas. The bureau has also issued orange (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) torrential rain advisories across Hualien, Kinmen, Pingtung, and Yilan counties, as well as Kaohsiung City. Yellow heavy rain advisories are in place across much of the rest of Taiwan and onshore strong wind advisories have been issued for Kinmen and Penghu counties and Keelung and New Taipei cities. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update/rescind existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Haikui has left around 78 people injured across Taiwan. Authorities evacuated over 7,000 people Sept. 3, mainly in southern and eastern areas, including the mountainous areas of Fengbin, Shilin, Wanrung, and Zhouxi townships in Hualien County, which are at high risk of landslides and flooding. Reports indicate that more than 240,000 households lost power at the height of the storm; as of early Sept. 4, more than 33,000 homes remained without power. Around 13,000 people are also without water supply. Dozens of flights and ferry services were canceled across Taiwan Sept. 3-4 and schools, businesses, and other facilities have been closed in several areas. Most services are expected to resume normal operations from late Sept. 4-early Sept. 5.

China Railway Guangdong Group has canceled nearly 400 train services across parts of southeastern China from Sept. 4 onwards ahead of the approach of the storm. Schools have also been suspended in some cities in Fujian and Guangdong provinces. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters are maintaining flood and typhoon emergency response levels across parts of southern China, which had already been elevated following the passing of Typhoon Saola across far southern regions Sept. 1-3.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau
China Meteorological Administration