TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) announced Monday (July 22) that Typhoon Gaemi (凱米) continues to intensify and may strengthen into a moderate typhoon by tonight. The latest forecast predicts that by Wednesday and Thursday evening, the typhoon's center will approach Taiwan's northern and northeast coasts, and will likely make landfall.
Liu Yu-chi (劉宇其), a forecaster at the CWA, stated that Typhoon Gaemi is currently located southeast of Luzon Island (呂宋島) and will continue moving towards Taiwan's southeastern waters over the next 24 hours. Liu added that a sea warning is expected tonight or early tomorrow morning, followed by a land warning later in the day.
Liu emphasized that regardless of whether Gaemi makes landfall, it will significantly impact Taiwan, especially the central, northern, and northeastern regions. Southern Taiwan will also experience intermittent wind and rain, with heavy rainfall possible in various areas. The forecaster noted that the storm's intensity could lead to school and work suspensions, and advised the public to stay updated on weather conditions.
The typhoon's path remains uncertain, with potential deviations to the north or south, but its impact on Taiwan is expected to be substantial. Liu highlighted that Wednesday and Thursday will be the most critical periods, with significant effects on the northern and northeastern regions and noticeable wind and rain in central and southern Taiwan by Wednesday afternoon.
As Gaemi moves into the northern Taiwan Strait (台灣海峽) on Thursday and Friday, it could also affect Matsu with strong winds and rain. The typhoon is expected to move away from Taiwan and enter China on Friday, though southern Taiwan may still experience heavy rain.
Liu advised that starting tonight, wave heights along the eastern coasts and the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) will reach 1.5 to 2 meters, potentially exceeding 3 meters tomorrow.