TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is bracing for unstable weather conditions, with the southern regions anticipated to be the most affected due to a low-pressure system, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) said on Thursday (Aug. 17).
Radar observations from the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) indicate that the unsettled weather is likely to persist until Saturday, attributed to the impact of the low-pressure system. There's a possibility of heavy rainfall in the mountainous areas as well as the western region.
The CWB issued immediate notifications for heavy thunderstorms in Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County earlier that day. As a result, several places in these regions have reported flooding, leading to numerous vehicles and drivers being stranded in the water.
Based on data from the CWB, Kaohsiung has witnessed the accumulation of up to 40 millimeters of rainfall within an hour. Specifically, Renwu District received over 57 millimeters, Fongshan District saw over 55 millimeters, Zuoying District experienced 44 millimeters, and Sanmin District recorded 49 millimeters.
Meanwhile, rainfall accumulation in Pingtung's low-lying Donggang Township surpassed 74 millimeters. Coastal areas in Pingtung have been issued flooding alerts, emphasizing the necessity for proactive disaster prevention measures.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai conducted inspections of the affected areas in the morning, covering Sanmin District and Renwu District. He cautioned citizens to prioritize road safety, carry rain gear, and avoid venturing into mountainous regions due to unstable weather patterns.
Looking ahead, the CWB anticipates a shift in weather patterns. From Aug. 20 to 23, atmospheric moisture will decrease, resulting in reduced rainfall and gradually stabilizing weather conditions. Notably, a tropical disturbance is forming near the southern region, but it is not projected to impact Taiwan directly.