TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tropical Storm Fung-wong (鳳凰) made landfall early Wednesday (Nov. 12) in southern Taiwan, prompting sea and land warnings from meteorologists. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service, reported the storm's center is 140 kilometers (87 miles) southwest of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻) and continues to weaken. The administration included Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Nantou, Hualien, Taitung, the Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula, and Penghu in the warning area.
National Central University (NCU, 國立中央大學) Associate Professor Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) explained that interaction with terrain from Luzon Island and Taiwan restricted moisture inflow, causing the typhoon's weakening. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble model predicts the storm will pass through southern Taiwan, although the exact landfall point remains uncertain.
Wu noted that over 1,000 millimeters (39.4 inches) of rain caused significant damage Monday (Nov. 10) and Tuesday (Nov. 11). The weakening circulation still poses risks of heavy rain and strong winds in localized areas. The Taiwan Typhoon Forum (台灣颱風論壇) forecasted wind and rain will intensify in southern regions by afternoon, peaking when the typhoon makes landfall. ◼
>>> For comprehensive weather updates, consult these official meteorological agencies:
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.