TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Ragasa brought destructive winds and torrential rain across Taiwan Monday morning (Sept. 22) despite remaining offshore. Cheng Ming-dean, former director of the Central Weather Administration, Taiwan's national meteorological agency, confirmed the massive storm achieved super typhoon classification. The powerful weather system continued battering the island through its extensive outer circulation bands, prompting widespread safety concerns.
Wu Sheng-yu, senior advisor at WeatherRisk Explore Inc., warned on Facebook that Ragasa was tracking westward through the Bashi Channel. The weather expert advised Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 23) would bring the most severe conditions, urging residents to implement typhoon safety measures. Wu explained the storm's peripheral circulation would deliver heavy rainfall to eastern Taiwan, Hengchun Peninsula, and mountainous regions of Nantou, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung.
Wu predicted Hualien, Taitung, Hengchun Peninsula, Green Island, and Orchid Island would experience the strongest winds through Tuesday (Sept. 23). Areas from Chiayi northward to Taipei could face significant gusts of level 8 or higher on Taiwan's wind scale. Coastal regions from Tainan to Pingtung might encounter winds reaching levels 8 to 10, with only inland areas from Miaoli to Tainan potentially avoiding major impacts.
Wu stressed Typhoon Ragasa's massive size and circulation strength, warning rainfall would continue affecting Hualien, Taitung, and Hengchun Peninsula through Wednesday (Sept. 24). The meteorologist urged residents in vulnerable areas to complete storm preparations immediately. He specifically advised avoiding dangerous locations during the extended period of severe weather conditions across eastern Taiwan. ◼