TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan suspended work and classes across all 22 counties and cities on Thursday, Oct. 31, due to severe weather conditions from Typhoon Kong-rey (康芮), which made landfall at 1:40 p.m. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) reported that the typhoon's center was 130 kilometers east of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻), moving northwest at 19 kph with maximum sustained winds of 184 kph as of Thursday morning.
Heavy rains are expected to drench the northern and eastern regions, with even more intense rainfall predicted for the east. Meteorologists warn that Typhoon Kong-rey could be the first in nine years to land with a storm radius of 300 kilometers. The eastern and southern regions of Taiwan, along with the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), will face the most significant rainfall, while areas north of the landfall point should brace for destructive winds exceeding 16 levels.
Datun Mountain recorded the strongest gusts at level 14 early morning, while the National Taiwan Science Education Center (科教館) reported level 10 gusts on flat ground. The highest accumulated rainfall reached 464 mm at the Qingtian Hill (擎天崗) observation station. Weather experts emphasize the need for precautionary measures as the typhoon's extensive circulation affects the entire island. The public is urged to stay indoors unless necessary, prioritizing safety during this intense weather event.