TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) activated its enhanced response for significant rainfall Monday (July 28) as Tropical Storm CO-MAY regained strength after weakening to a tropical depression. The storm's resurgence has intensified rainfall across the island, expanding affected areas to 12 counties. Weather officials warn that the strengthened system poses renewed threats to communities already bracing for heavy precipitation.
Rainfall will reach six regions' class and work suspension threshold by Tuesday morning across multiple areas, affecting Tainan, Pingtung, Hualien, Chiayi mountains, Kaohsiung, and Taitung highlands.. The administration forecasts that mountainous areas in Chiayi County, along with both plains and mountainous regions in Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County, will experience rainfall between 250 and 400 millimeters (9.8 to 15.7 inches). Taitung County's mountainous areas could see 200 to 300 millimeters (7.9 to 11.8 inches) of precipitation.
Local governments will decide to suspend classes and work based on the "Regulations on Natural Disaster Suspension of Work and Classes" (天然災害停止上班及上課作業辦法). These standards include the storm's radius passing through an area within four hours or accumulated rainfall reaching the threshold within 24 hours. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and heed official advisories as the storm's impact unfolds across Taiwan. ◼