TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) announced early Tuesday that a tropical depression west of Guam (關島) developed into Tropical Storm Usagi (天兔) at 2 a.m. Local media quoted weather forecaster Lin Ping-yu (林秉煜) who noted that Usagi's formation marks the fourth typhoon this November, a first since records began in 1958.
The storm is currently moving toward the eastern seas of the Philippines, with potential implications for the region. Usagi is expected to approach the northern part of Luzon in the Philippines by Thursday or Friday. ETtoday reported that forecaster Chang Cheng-chuan (張承傳) analyzed Usagi might intensify into a moderate typhoon and possibly approach Taiwan, depending on variable conditions.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon has prompted the administration to issue heavy rain warnings for Keelung, Taipei, and New Taipei City on Tuesday. Localized heavy or torrential rain is likely along the north coast of Keelung and in the mountainous areas of Taipei. The outer cloud bands of Typhoon Toraji (桔梗) are affecting regions north of Taoyuan, the eastern parts of Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula, and central and southern mountain areas. Increased cloud cover and sporadic rain have been observed in Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
As Usagi continues its westward journey, residents in potential impact areas should remain informed and prepare for possible adverse weather conditions.