Typhoon Meranti strengthens as land warning issued; Typhoon Malakas forms shortly after

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Typhoon Meranti was upgraded and a sea warning was issued at 23:30 on September 12, followed by a land warning at 08:00 on September 13. The Central Weather Bureau has also released a typhoon alert notice. Typhoon Meranti is moving west-northwest at speeds of 23 to 20 km/h. The areas under primary alert include Taitung (including Orchid Island and Green Island), Hualien, the Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan. Residents must stay on high alert and prepare for strong winds and heavy rain.

In addition, two more typhoons have formed: Tropical Storm Rai (international name: RAI), No. 15, is centered at 15.9°N, 107.3°E, moving toward the Indochina Peninsula and is not expected to significantly impact Taiwan. Tropical Storm Malakas (international name: MALAKAS), No. 16, is currently centered at 13.9°N, 138.0°E in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its predicted path is west-northwest toward Taiwan before turning north. As it coincides with the latter two days of the Mid-Autumn holiday, special attention is needed for northern, eastern, and northeastern Taiwan.

According to the latest weather data, Typhoon Meranti (No. 14) is currently centered in the sea surface east-southeast of Hengchun, moving west-northwest. The storm’s circulation is gradually entering the Bashi Channel, posing threats to Taitung, Hualien, the Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan, as well as the offshore areas of these regions. Coastal areas of Taiwan (including Orchid Island and Green Island), as well as Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, may experience strong gusts and long-period waves. Avoid coastal activities and stay safe. With the ongoing spring tide period, low-lying coastal areas need to guard against flooding and seawater backflow.