Heavy rain in central, south Taiwan expected to expand and intensify tomorrow
Heavy rain that has already caused rockfalls, mudslides, and flooding in central and southern districts of Taiwan today is just a prelude to what’s to come as a stationary front is expected to hover over the island from Tuesday to Thursday, according to weather forecasts.
Rockfalls, landslides, floods, and road washouts have been reported in Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Changhua County, and Chiayi County as thunderstorms brought intense rain to areas that were already waterlogged in central and southern districts west of the Central Mountain Range.
The rain is expected to continue in those districts, while expanding into eastern and northern areas of Taiwan as the Meiyu front approaches later today.
Tainan City
In Tainan City’s mountainous Nanhua District, a landslide temporarily blocked route 179 as mud and a large boulder fell onto the road, while the Zuozhen Bridge in Zuozhen Township was closed for safety reasons due to the surging stream.
Taichung City
Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen was up extra early this morning to write a Facebook post warning residents about the rain at 4:00 am, and announced the opening of a level-three disaster response center at 8:00 am. Lu warned that the rain will continue until June 24, and urged the public to pay attention to safety during this period.
The Taichung City government received eight disaster notification reports as of 8:00 am including three landslips in mountain districts of Taiping and Dongshi Townships within two hours, and five reports of trees down on roads.
The city government and water resources department have prepared sandbags, pumps, and flood protection blocks in areas vulnerable to flooding.
Kaohsiung City
In Kaohsiung City thunderstorms brought intense rain to several districts, causing streams and rivers to surge. Alerts were issued for Chongde Bridge, and Qiyang Bridge on the Erren River, with some upstream residents already evacuated.
Qishan District saw the highest accumulated rainfall with 122 mm, followed by Meinong District with 108 mm. The rain fell during a period of just three hours.
Plum Rain Front expected to expand and intensify monsoonal influence
Central Weather Bureau (CWB) forecaster Luo Yayin said, during a live broadcast and online press briefing this morning that the southwest wind brought rain to central and southern districts, and that heavy rain will continue as a stationary front approaches Taiwan from the north today, creating unstable weather that is expected to continue until Thursday.
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