TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) weakened to a moderate typhoon (中颱) early Wednesday (Oct. 2) after almost stalling for a day. This delay has postponed its expected landfall time.
A weather-forecasting Facebook group "Taiwan Typhoon Forum｜Weather Express" (台灣颱風論壇｜天氣特急) reported that Typhoon Krathon is gradually moving toward Taiwan due to a northern upper-level trough. The typhoon, which had been stationary or moving slowly, is now expected to make landfall between Tainan and Kaohsiung late Wednesday night or early Thursday.
After landfall, the typhoon's strength will significantly decrease, and due to terrain interference, it may move slowly over Taiwan. The forum indicated that Typhoon Krathon might linger over Taiwan like a "wandering ghost" until it dissipates.
The forum also noted that the typhoon's rapid weakening, combined with suppression by the northeast monsoon, will cause it to drift northward over Taiwan throughout Thursday. Official forecasts from the U.S., Japan, Europe, and Germany have shown unusual paths for this typhoon, making it a classic case.
Despite the downgrade, residents in the landfall zone should not underestimate the typhoon's destructive winds. The forum urged caution for Keelung, the northern coast, the eastern side of Taipei, Yilan, and Hualien as the peripheral effects could bring severe and continuous rainfall starting Thursday afternoon.