Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family compiled report
[Updated 15:05]
The northern, Taipei, and Keelung areas have been placed under alert. High-speed rail and Taiwan Railways are expected to operate normally on the 17th, but the northern region may be affected by the typhoon. A final update will be provided before 8:00 PM today to confirm operations for the 17th.
Typhoon Malakas issued a sea warning at 23:30 on September 15 and a land warning at 8:00 AM on September 16. (Image source / Central Weather Bureau)
The center of Typhoon Malakas is located at 20.1 degrees north latitude, 124.8 degrees east longitude, moving northwest then north-northwest at a speed of 22 km/h. The central pressure is 950 hPa, with maximum near-center wind speeds of 40 m/s and maximum gusts of 50 m/s. The radius of the seventh-grade wind zone is 150 km, and the tenth-grade wind zone is 50 km.
Typhoon Malakas approaches Taiwan. (Image source / Central Weather Bureau)
According to the latest meteorological data (10:15 AM), the center of Typhoon Malakas is over the sea surface southeast of Hengchun, moving northwest then north-northwest. Its storm circle has entered the Bashi Channel, posing a threat to Hualien and Taitung. The typhoon is expected to slightly intensify. From the afternoon of the 16th, rainfall is forecasted for northeastern and northern Taiwan, with noticeable wind and rain starting the morning of the 17th. Travel plans should take local weather conditions into special consideration.