Taiwan: Tropical Storm Bailu forecast to hit southern counties August 23-24

Event

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau (CWB) issued a typhoon notice on Wednesday, August 21, as Tropical Storm Bailu continues to track toward its eastern coastline. The CWB indicates that Bailu is forecast to strengthen to a Category 1 storm prior to making landfall in Taitung county on Saturday afternoon (local time), August 24. The storm is expected to bring strong winds and rainfall amounts of 100-200 mm (4-8 in) as it approaches southeastern Taiwan as early as Friday, August 23.

As of Thursday morning, August 22, Tropical Storm Bailu is located at approximately 16°N 128°E (map here), and is exhibiting maximum sustained wind speeds of 90 kph (56 mph). Bailu is tracking west-northwest at a speed of 22 kph (13 mph). Flooding, landslides, power outages, and transportation disruptions, including flight delays and road closures, are possible across Taiwan over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.