Taiwan: Weather warnings issued for Typhoon Mitag September 30 /update 2

Event

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau (CWB) issued extremely heavy rain warnings for New Taipei City, Yilan County, and Taoyuan City, as well as rain warnings in Taipei City, Keelung City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, Miaoli County, Taichung City, and Hualien County at 05:35 (local time) on Monday, September 30, as Severe Tropical Storm Mitag strengthened into a Typhoon. CWB also issued sea warnings for East Bashi Channel, West Bashi Channel, the Sea of North Taiwan, the Sea of Northeast Taiwan, the Sea of Southeast Taiwan, and North Taiwan Strait early on Monday morning. While not forecast to make landfall in Taiwan, authorities are anticipating heavy rain, strong winds, and significant storm surge throughout the country, particularly in northern areas including Taipei. Local authorities have closed schools and offices in the affected areas on Monday. Further business and transportation disruptions, including flight delays or cancelations, are also possible.

As of 08:00 on Monday, Tropical Storm Mitag is located at approximately 21.7°N 123.2°E (map here). Mitag is moving northwest at 15 kph (9 mph) and is forecast to impact Taiwan's eastern coast in the evening on Monday, before turning north towards South Korea and Japan. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, 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.