Taiwan: Typhoon Haikui tracking north-northwestward across South China Sea as of the morning of Sept. 4 /update 6

Event

Typhoon Haikui is tracking north-northwestward across southern Taiwan the morning of Sept. 4 following landfall in Taitung County, near the border of Chenggong and Donghe townships, Sept. 3. As of 11:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 272 km (169 miles) southwest of Taipei, Taiwan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken but remain a typhoon as it passes just south of Penghu County, Taiwan, the morning of Sept. 4. Haikui will weaken into a tropical storm over the sea before making landfall over far southern Fujian Province, China, early Sept. 5. The storm will likely weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks slowly westward across eastern Guangdong Province through the afternoon of Sept. 7 before dissipating over central Guangdong Province the afternoon of Sept. 8. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of the morning of Sept. 4, the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued purple (highest level on a four-tier scale) extremely torrential rain advisories across Hualien and Yilan counties and red torrential rain advisories across Kaohsiung and Taichung cities and Nantou, Pingtung and Taitung counties. Orange extremely heavy rain advisories are in place for New Taipei and Taoyuan cities and Hsinchu County, and yellow heavy rain advisories are in place across Chiayi, Keelung, Tainan, and Taipei cities and Chiayi, Yunlin, Penghu, and Miaoli counties. Strong wind advisories are in effect across Taiwan through Sept. 4. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

The typhoon has left more than 40 people injured across Taiwan. Authorities evacuated over 6,000 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 87,000 households lost power at the height of the storm. As of late Sept. 3, more than 35,000 homes were without power. Chiayi County has evacuated all tourists in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Uni Air (B7) canceled all domestic flights Sept. 3; some flights have resumed, but flights to/from Beigan, Kinmen, Nangan, and Penghu remain canceled Sept. 4. Most Mandarin Airlines (AE) domestic flights remain canceled Sept. 4, except for those from Songshan to/from Taitung. At least 51 international flights were also canceled Sept. 3. Officials have canceled ferry services between Donggang in Pingtung County and Xiaoliuqiu Island through at least Sept. 4. Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Penghu, and Tainan cities and Chiayi, Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung counties announced school and office closures Sept. 4.

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)
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau
China Meteorological Administration