TAIPEI (TVBS News) — This year's sixth typhoon, Typhoon Khanun, brought heavy winds and rain to Taiwan over the past week. The storm came closest to Taiwan late Thursday evening, resulting in a "typhoon day off" for the greater Taipei area and Yilan County.
Weather forecasters warn that central and southern Taiwan may be somewhat safe as it heads northeast away from Taiwan on Friday.
Meteorologist Chia Hsin-Hsing remarked, "The topography of our Central Mountain Range leads to pronounced rainfall due to the interaction between wind and terrain, especially on the windward side."
Experts pointed out that Taiwan's Central Mountain Range provided little protection against the storm this time. On the contrary, it experienced concentrated heavy rainfall.
Meteorologists explain that although the storm has passed, monsoons will continue to affect southern Taiwan this season.
"After the typhoon heads north, the combination of winds and monsoons will bring southwesterly winds, resulting in increased rainfall in the area south of Chiayi," Chia explained.
Despite Typhoon Khanun moving northward, experts advise coastal regions to remain on alert as surging waters from rivers and oceans could still cause heavy floods.
Meteorologists also caution residents of mountainous regions to be vigilant about landslides, which can be easily triggered by torrential rain.