14 Oct 2021 | 02:47 AM UTC
Taiwan: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions through at least Oct. 15
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast across eastern Taiwan through at least Oct. 15. Disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are forecast across portions of eastern Taiwan through at least Oct. 15. The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued the following warnings:
Red (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) Torrential Rain warnings: Lanyu and Ludao Islands in Taitung County
Orange Extremely Heavy Rain warnings: Hualien County and the rest of Taitung County
Yellow Heavy Rain warnings: Pingtung and Yilan counties
Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts in the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Authorities have reopened Highway 30 between the 19-kilometer mark in Yuli Township, Hualien County, and the 30-kilometer mark near Highway 11, as of Oct. 14. The highway was closed for repairs due to cave-ins and severe damage in both directions caused by Tropical Storm Kompasu.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
