TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Podul (楊柳颱風) barreled toward Taiwan's southeastern coast Wednesday (Aug. 13), with meteorologists predicting landfall near Taitung and Taimali by midday. Weather Express (台灣颱風論壇), a prominent meteorological analysis platform on Threads, warned that the storm's destructive core would sweep across Taitung and the Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula. The approaching cyclone threatened to unleash devastating weather conditions across these vulnerable coastal regions as residents braced for the typhoon's full impact.
Weather Express characterized the storm as one of the fastest-moving typhoons to threaten Taiwan in recent years, amplifying concerns about its destructive potential. Southern regions prepared for dramatically intensified wind and rainfall conditions as the typhoon's landfall approached. Residents across Hualien and Taitung counties already experienced the storm's advancing fury, with Taitung locals receiving urgent warnings of winds potentially reaching level 14 (over 118 kmh) at the anticipated landfall zone.
Northern Taiwan's metropolitan areas, including Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung, experienced powerful winds from early Wednesday (Aug. 13) morning as the typhoon's outer bands reached the capital region. Meteorologists warned that the most destructive winds would persist from landfall until the storm crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, potentially disrupting evening commuter traffic. Weather Express issued urgent safety advisories, urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritize personal safety as the typhoon's devastating impact would intensify following landfall. ◼