16 Nov 2024 | 10:07 AM UTC
Taiwan: Tropical Depression Usagi tracking southeastwards off the coast of Pingtung County, Taiwan, as of Nov. 16 /update 8
Tropical Depression Usagi tracking southeastwards off Pingtung County, Taiwan, as of Nov. 16. Landfall over Hengchun Peninsula imminent.
Tropical Depression Usagi is tracking southeastwards off the coast of Pingtung County, Taiwan, Nov. 16. As of 17:00 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 the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung County in the coming hours. After landfall Usagi is expected to weaken further as it tracks northeastward across far southern Taiwan and exits into the Philippine Sea off the southern coast of Taitung County late Nov. 16. The system is expected to dissipate as it tracks north-northeastward off the east coast of Taiwan Nov. 17. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of Nov. 16, the Taiwan Central Weather Administration has rescinded all typhoon warnings as Usagai has weakened. Yellow heavy rain advisories (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over Keelung North Coast and mountainous areas of Taipei City. Strong wind advisories are also in place for southern southeastern, and western coastal areas.
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.
