TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) intensified into a typhoon early Tuesday (Oct. 1), prompting the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) to issue heavy rain warnings for Taitung County (台東縣) and Pingtung County (屏東縣).
The typhoon, currently located south-southwest of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻), moves at a speed of 4 to 10 kph. It has already brought rain to nine counties across Taiwan. Taitung County faces an immediate thunderstorm warning expected to last until 10 a.m.
The CWA noted that the typhoon's outer circulation could cause short-duration heavy rainfall on Tuesday, particularly in the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) and mountainous areas of Taitung County.
The CWA highlighted the potential for torrential rain in Hualien County (花蓮縣), Taitung County, and the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung City (高雄市) and Pingtung County. Additionally, the northern coast of Keelung (基隆北海岸), New Taipei City (新北市), Yilan County (宜蘭縣), Tainan City (台南市), and Taipei City (台北市) may experience heavy rain.
Strong winds of 10 to 12 on the Beaufort scale are likely in the Hengchun Peninsula and on Orchid Island (蘭嶼) and Green Island (綠島). Pingtung, Taitung, Penghu (澎湖), Kinmen (金門), and Matsu (馬祖) regions may see winds of 9 to 10, while coastal areas from Kaohsiung northward, as well as Yilan and Hualien, could experience winds of 8 to 9.
The CWA urged residents to stay vigilant against lightning and strong gusts, avoid mountainous and river areas, and prepare for potential flooding in low-lying regions as Typhoon Sandalwood continues its approach.