Typhoon Mangkhut to be Closest to Taiwan by Weekend|中颱山竹續增強 估週末最靠近台灣

The 22nd typhoon of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season, Typhoon Mangkhut, is strengthening continuously and is expected to be the closest to Taiwan this weekend. Meanwhile, the Central Weather Bureau will immediately issue a sea and typhoon warning if tropical depression Bajirat, which is to the southeast of Taiwan, is upgraded to a typhoon. Commuter ferries in the Taitung area have already stopped running as of the morning of Sept. 10.


Ferry service between Green Island, Orchid Island and Pingtung's Houbi Lake was suspended at 8:30 a.m. on the 10th due to the approaching tropical depression. Many tourists didn't find out about this until they were already at the dock.

(Did you come from Changhua?) Yes. (So, you feel helpless?) Yes. I didn't know the ferries weren't running until I got here.

The Central Weather Bureau says Bajirat, which could be the 23rd tropical storm of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season, is currently southeast of Taiwan. Sea and typhoon warnings will be issued if it continues strengthening. Bajirat will likely bring torrential rain to eastern Taiwan.

The eastern half of Taiwan will be affected by the northeast monsoon, northeast winds and the outer circle of the tropical depression, which means a higher likelihood of rain. Areas south of Hualien and Taitung should be on guard for torrential rain.

The 22nd tropical storm of the season, Typhoon Mangkhut, also continues to strengthen and could turn into a severe typhoon. With Mangkhut approaching, long waves are expected off the coast of eastern Taiwan starting on the 11th. Mangkhut will be closest to Taiwan over the weekend, but it is still unknown whether the typhoon will make landfall.