Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Typhoon Meranti was upgraded to a severe storm, with a sea warning issued at 23:30 on September 12 and a land warning at 08:00 on September 13. The Central Weather Bureau has also released a typhoon warning bulletin. 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, where vigilance against strong winds and heavy rain is strongly advised.
Typhoon Meranti is approaching fiercely, with two additional typhoons having formed. (Image source / Central Weather Bureau)
In addition, two more typhoons have formed: Tropical Storm Rai (international name: RAI), No. 15, with its center located at 15.9°N, 107.3°E, is moving toward the Indochina Peninsula and is not expected to significantly affect Taiwan. Tropical Storm Malakas (international name: MALAKAS), No. 16, currently centered at 13.9°N, 138.0°E in the western Pacific, is forecast to move west-northwest toward Taiwan before turning north. As it approaches during the latter two days of the Mid-Autumn holiday, special attention is needed in northern, eastern, and northeastern Taiwan.
Tropical Storm Malakas, No. 16, is worth monitoring for its path and potential impacts. (Image source / Central Weather Bureau)
According to the latest weather data, Typhoon Meranti (No. 14) is currently centered in the seas southeast of Hengchun, moving west-northwest, with its storm circle gradually entering the Bashi Channel, posing threats to Taitung, Hualien, the Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan, as well as their surrounding waters. Coastal areas of Taiwan (including Orchid Island and Green Island), as well as Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, will experience strong gusts and high swells. Avoid coastal activities and stay safe. Due to the spring tide period, low-lying coastal areas should guard against flooding and seawater backflow.