TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Kong-Rey (康芮颱風) intensified into a moderate typhoon early Tuesday (Oct. 29), according to the Central Weather Administration (氣象署).
Positioned 940 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi, the typhoon is moving northwest at speeds between 12 and 17 kilometers per hour. This development raises concerns for Taiwan's eastern and southern regions.
Wu Sheng-yu (吳聖宇), WeatherRisk's analyst, anticipates potential typhoon holidays on Thursday and Friday.
The CWA's data indicates a 98% probability of the typhoon's storm circle affecting Lanyu Township (蘭嶼鄉) in Taitung County and a 97% chance for Taitung County itself.
Green Island and Pingtung County face a 96% probability, while Hengchun, Chiayi City, Yunlin County, and Chiayi County have a 95% chance.
Forecaster Huang En-hung (黃恩鴻) from the CWA noted that the typhoon is likely to make landfall in Taitung, with a sea warning potentially issued this afternoon or evening.
Huang also mentioned that a land warning might be issued Wednesday, and the storm's circle could envelop the entire island from late Thursday night to Friday morning.
The northern and eastern regions may see work and class cancellations on Thursday, while central and southern areas could experience significant weather disruptions on Friday morning.
Local governments will ultimately decide on any typhoon-day declarations. Residents should stay informed on the typhoon's progress and prepare accordingly.