TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather agency expanded heavy-rain alerts Friday (June 26) as Typhoon Mekkhala pushed north and a lingering front intensified rainfall. The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) warned that parts of Kaohsiung and Pingtung face "extremely torrential" downpours while northern mountain areas remain at risk of flash flooding and landslides.
The Central Weather Administration issued its latest alert at 8:15 a.m., designating Kaohsiung and Pingtung County as "extremely torrential rain" zones — the highest warning level. New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Tainan were placed under "torrential rain" alerts, while 13 additional counties faced heavy-rain warnings.
The agency urged residents in low-lying areas to guard against flooding and those in mountain zones to watch for landslides and swollen streams. The unstable conditions stem from Mekkhala's outer circulation, the approaching front, and strengthening southwesterly winds. Northern Taiwan faces sudden heavy downpours that could trigger flash flooding.
As of 2 a.m. Friday, Mekkhala was centered about 550 kilometers (342 miles) east-northeast of Taipei, moving north-northeast toward the Ryukyu Islands. The storm is expected to weaken as it continues toward Japan.
Thursday's rainfall offered a preview of the hazards. Pingtung County's Yanpu Township (鹽埔鄉) recorded 574.5 millimeters (22.6 inches) in 24 hours, while Kaohsiung's Meinong District (美濃區) saw 268.5 mm (10.6 inches) in three hours.
Alerts sent through Taiwan's Public Warning System early Friday covered New Taipei City and Hsinchu County, urging residents near waterways to move to higher ground.
The front is expected to linger through Saturday, keeping western Taiwan under threat of torrential downpours. Conditions are forecast to stabilize Sunday as the front retreats northward.
The CWA cautioned that convective cells near the front can develop rapidly, bringing sudden lightning and intense bursts of rain with little warning. The agency urged the public to carry rain gear, avoid mountain trails and riverbanks, and monitor official updates. ◼