Taiwan: Tropical Storm Bailu makes landfall in Pingtung county August 24 /update 4

Event

Tropical Storm Bailu made landfall in Manzhou (Pingtung county) at approximately 13:00 (local time) on Saturday, August 24, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. Bailu brought localized rainfall totals of 50 cm (20 in) of rain across southern Taiwan, including in Hualien and Taitung counties; some 12,000 people are without power as of Saturday evening. The storm, which is exhibiting Tropical Storm strength winds, entered the Taiwan Strait at approximately 16:00 as it headed towards Fujian province (China).

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to most of the country over the next 12 hours. Storm warnings remain in effect across Kaohsiung, Kinmen, and Penghu counties as the storm tracks over the Taiwan Strait. Business and school closures are expected to persist through Sunday, August 25, in the abovementioned counties. 

As of Saturday evening, Bailu is located at approximately 23.5°N 119.1°E (map here) and is exhibiting maximum sustained wind speeds of 92 kph (57 mph). The storm is tracking northwest at a speed of 35 kph (21 mph).

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.