Typhoon Krathon makes direct hit on Taiwan’s second largest city
Thousands of residents have already reported power outages, and there are reports of fallen trees, traffic lights, and power lines, with Kaohsiung City bearing the brunt of Typhoon Krathon, as the eye of the storm approaches the coast of southwestern Taiwan this morning, Thursday, October 3.
National power supplier Taipower said that 109,588 households across the country have experienced power outages since yesterday. Around 82% have already been repaired as emergency crews have been dispatched to immediately respond to reports.
According to the Central Weather Administration, at 9:00 am, the eye of Typhoon Krathon was located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung City moving north-northeast at 4 kilometers per hour. The inner storm circle of the typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 38 meters per second (137 kilometers per hour) with maximum wind gusts of 48 meters per second (173 kilometers per hour).
The eye of the typhoon is expected to make landfall in Kaohsiung City at around noon. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical depression soon after landing, but continue to dump heavy rain. Meteorologists warned that the combination of the tropical weather system with moisture-laden northeast monsoonal winds will increase the chance of heavy rain in the northern areas of Taiwan, including the capital, Taipei.
A strong wind advisory is in effect for all counties and cities on Taiwan’s west coast, along with offshore islands, Taitung County, Keelung City, and the north coast of New Taipei City. An extremely torrential rain warning is in effect for the north coast at Keelung City and New Taipei City, Taitung County, and mountain areas of Pingtung County. A torrential rain warning is in effect for mountain areas of Hualien County, coastal districts of Pingtung County, and the whole of Kaohsiung City and Tainan City. An extremely heavy rain warning is in effect for coastal districts of Hualien County, All of Yilan County, New Taipei City, Yunlin County and Chiayi County. Other areas are included in a heavy rain advisory.
Taiwan English News is an independent publication with no corporate funding. If you found this article informative, and would like to support my work, please buy me a coffee or support me on Patreon. Subscribe to Taiwan English News for free to receive the latest news via email. Advertising queries are welcome. Share, like, comment below.