TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Fung-wong (鳳凰颱風) struck southern Taiwan Wednesday (Nov. 12), forcing the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather agency, to issue updated land warnings at 9:15 a.m. Officials predict the storm will weaken to a tropical depression after hitting the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) tonight.
The storm's center positioned 160 kilometers (99 miles) southwest of Cape Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻) at 8 a.m. Wednesday, moving northeast at 16 to 32 kilometers per hour (10 to 20 mph). The storm carried central pressure of 995 hPa and maximum sustained winds of 20 meters per second (45 mph). Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) confirmed Fung-wong weakens due to Taiwan and Luzon terrain.
The European weather model (ECMWF) predicted Tuesday (Nov. 11) at 8 p.m. that Fung-wong's path would cross southern Taiwan with uncertain landfall location. Wu warned heavy rain and strong winds will occur sporadically in asymmetrical rainbands. The meteorologist confirmed the heaviest rainfall, exceeding 1,000 millimeters (39 inches), already hit the region over two days.
CWA forecaster Chu Mei-lin (朱美霖) predicted Fung-wong will make landfall on the southern Hengchun Peninsula Wednesday night, possibly weakening to tropical depression status. The weather agency warned of heavy rain from the storm and its outer circulation across multiple regions. CWA section chief Lin Ping-yu (林秉煜) expects the storm to weaken by Thursday (Nov. 13), prompting storm warning cancellation. ◼
>>> For comprehensive weather updates, consult these official meteorological agencies:
- Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service: CWA Typhoon Information: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/P/Typhoon/TY_NEWS.html
- Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), U.S. Navy's Pacific storm tracking facility: JTWC Tropical Warnings: https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA, 気象庁), Japan's official weather authority: JMA Tropical Cyclone Information:
https://www.data.jma.go.jp/multi/cyclone/cyclone_detail.html?id=61&lang=en
>>> In case of a typhoon, you should prepare for the storm and avoid going outside. Stay away from beaches and coastal areas for wave-watching or water activities. Be alert for strong winds and heavy rain while watching for landslides and falling rocks. Remember that emergency assistance is available at 119/1999, maritime emergencies at 118, and police or disaster reporting at 110/119.