Taiwan: Adverse weather forecast across much of Taiwan through at least Sept. 25

Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Taiwan through at least Sept. 25. As of Sept. 19, the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued orange (the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale) advisories for extremely heavy rain in Tainan City, Hsinchu County, Nantou County, and mountainous parts of Chiayi County. Yellow heavy rain advisories have been issued across much of the rest of mainland Taiwan. Short-term flash flood and thunderstorm warnings have also been issued in Tainan City and Chiayi and Pingtung counties Sept. 19. The Civil Aeronautics Administration temporarily suspended ground operations at Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) due to thunderstorms during the afternoon Sept. 19; lingering flight disruptions are likely even once operations resume. Further showers and storms are forecast across much of Taiwan Sept. 20-25. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts in the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger further flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.