TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) has slowed to a near halt, posing a significant threat to Taiwan, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) on Tuesday (Oct. 1). Forecasters predicted its most severe impact expected tomorrow and lasting through Thursday morning.
CWA forecaster Wu Wan-hua (伍婉華) noted that Typhoon Krathon would turn north later in the day, and its intensity had slightly increased over the past three hours. Wu said the storm's center is currently southwest of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻) and moving north-northeast at a slow pace.
The storm's winds have already reached Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), Pingtung (屏東), Taitung (台東), and Kaohsiung (高雄), threatening areas south of Chiayi (嘉義) and Taitung, Wu noted.
Wu warned of significant wave activity along coastal areas and outlying islands, with waves exceeding 6 meters in the southwest, southeast, and Hengchun Peninsula. Additionally, the typhoon's outer circulation may cause localized foehn winds, leading to temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius in Hsinchu (新竹), Miaoli (苗栗), and Taichung (台中).
As the typhoon approaches, southwest coastal areas will experience rising tides. Authorities urge residents in Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Tainan (台南), and Chiayi to brace for strong winds and heavy rains, particularly in coastal regions prone to storm surges and seawater intrusion.
Krathon intensified into a severe typhoon at 2 a.m. on Tuesday and was located 180 kilometers southwest of Eluanbi at 6 a.m., moving north-northeast at 4 to 8 kilometers per hour. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions.