15 Nov 2024 | 11:20 PM UTC
Luzon Strait: Tropical Storm Usagi tracking north-northeastward to the southwest of Taiwan as of early Nov. 16 /update 7
Tropical Storm Usagi tracking north-northeastward in the Luzon Strait early Nov. 16. Landfall over Kaoshiung City, Taiwan, imminent.
Typhoon Usagi (known in the Philippines as Ofel) is tracking north-northeastward in the Luzon Strait early Nov. 16, having passed over far northeastern Luzon and past the northern island regions of the Philippines Nov. 14. As of 05:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 346 km (215 miles) south-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan.
Forecast models indicate that the system will make landfall over Kaoshiung City near the border with Pingtung County during the morning Nov. 16. After landfall Usagi is expected to weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks northeastward across southern Taiwan and north-northeastward into eastern Taiwan through early Nov. 17. The system is expected to weaken further and dissipate over Yilan County the afternoon of Nov. 17. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Nov. 16, the Taiwan Central Weather Administration has issued a sea and land typhoon warning covering southern areas of Taiwan and southern coastal waters. Red torrential rain advisories (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over mountainous areas of Pingtung and Taitung counties, while orange extremely heavy rain advisories are in effect over Kaohsiung and Tainan cities and the rest of Pingtung and Taitung counties. Yellow heavy rain advisories are in place for Hualien County. Strong wind advisories are also in place for the Hengchun Peninsula.
Some flights connecting Taipei to Taitung, Songshan to Taitung, and Kaohsiung to Kinmen and Penghu are canceled Nov. 15-16. Ferries across parts of southern Taiwan were suspended from noon Nov. 15. Alishan Forest Railway has suspended services Nov. 15-16. Sightseeing rail services between Pingtung and Taitung are suspended. Some roads in southern Taiwan are closed, including parts of provincial highways 20, 23, 24, 30, and 93.
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.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures 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.
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.
