TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is bracing for a dangerous night as Typhoon Bavi (巴威) tracks toward the island's northeast corner, with forecasters now predicting the storm will pass offshore rather than make landfall. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) warned Friday (July 10) that northern mountain areas could still see daily rainfall of 600 to 900 millimeters (23.6 to 35.4 inches) as the government mobilized nearly 29,000 troops ahead of the storm's closest approach early Saturday.
The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) said the typhoon would have its most severe impact from Friday night through Saturday daytime. The popular meteorology page Taiwan Typhoon Forum (台灣颱風論壇─天氣特急) said the storm's path had shifted north, with the highest probability of passing near Taiwan's northeast coast rather than crossing over land.
But forecasters warned that the storm's unusually wide circulation meant most of Taiwan would still feel its effects. "Whether or not the typhoon center lands, most areas of Taiwan could be affected by the storm's wind field," the forum said, urging residents to "prepare at the highest standard."
Lai, speaking in a calm but firm tone at the Central Emergency Operations Center (中央災害應變中心), emphasized the need for central and local governments to work together. "Particularly this time in the northern region — the northern region, the central-northern region — particularly the northern region, daily rainfall could reach 600 to 900 millimeters," Lai said. "Especially in the mountain areas, we need to pay special attention."
Cho, speaking in a measured and methodical tone, outlined five areas requiring final confirmation before nightfall. "The various scenario predictions and risk assessments for the landslide-dammed lakes must align with actual future rainfall conditions," Cho said. "We must conduct timely, comprehensive reviews and respond in advance, taking all necessary measures."
Bavi is the first typhoon to directly threaten Taiwan this year. At 2 p.m. Friday, the storm was located approximately 630 kilometers (391 miles) east of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻), Taiwan's southernmost point, moving northwest at 26 to 27 kilometers per hour (16 to 17 mph).
Lin Po-tung (林伯東), a section chief at the weather agency's forecast center, said the typhoon's path was trending north and its radius shrinking slightly, meaning not all 12 counties under land warning would necessarily experience the eye wall.
The government has assembled a massive response force. The military pre-positioned 28,922 personnel with more than 2,000 pieces of equipment, including AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said after inspecting the defense ministry's disaster response center Friday. The Ministry of the Interior (內政部) deployed an additional 6,662 rescue personnel, 4,497 vehicles and 1,254 boats, with 24 helicopters on standby.
Forces have already entered Hualien County, where requests for support have been received along with Taipei and New Taipei's Wulai District (烏來區). Authorities also pre-positioned supplies at 173 locations identified as potentially becoming isolated during the storm.
"The military's core mission is to ensure the safety of people's lives and property," Koo said.
Infrastructure closures began Friday ahead of the storm. The Tamsui River Bridge (淡江大橋), a newly opened landmark, will close in phases starting at 8 p.m., with vehicle lanes and bus routes closing at 11 p.m. The bridge is designed to withstand Category 16 winds — over 184 kilometers per hour (114 mph) — but officials said gusty conditions at the river mouth warranted precautionary closure. It is expected to reopen Sunday (July 12).
Airlines canceled more than 400 flights as of Friday morning — 154 domestic and 261 international or cross-strait routes — while 14 ferry routes with 114 sailings were suspended.
Taiwan Railways (臺鐵) suspended select services on the Pingxi Line (平溪線) and Eastern Line (東部幹線) through midnight Friday, along with all scenic tourist trains. The railway operator said it would announce Saturday service plans by 9 p.m. Friday.
New Taipei City shut all scenic spots, including Yehliu Ocean World (野柳海洋世界), Shifen Waterfall Park (十分瀑布公園) and the Sandiaoling Eco-Friendly Tunnel (三貂嶺生態友善隧道).
Despite the warnings, Friday's calm daytime weather drew crowds to shopping centers that remained open. At Nangang LaLaport (南港LaLaport) in Taipei, the parking garage had lines of vehicles by midday and the food court was packed with families.
One shopper surnamed Chen said he had driven to the mall to stock up on emergency food supplies while the weather held. Taipei and New Taipei had declared Friday a typhoon day, suspending work and classes, though conditions remained dry until late afternoon.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) urged residents to use the day wisely for preparation.
"We are preparing for the worst-case scenario," Chiang said, adding that the city had begun towing vehicles from flood-prone areas and had opened red and yellow curb zones for temporary parking.
The land warning remained in effect for 12 counties and cities from Taichung northward, as well as Yilan, Hualien and Taitung on the east coast.
"The military is a very important force," President Lai said. "I hope our military can fully commit to helping the central government and local governments solve problems, standing with the people to reduce damage to the lowest possible level."
Taiwan Railways said passengers holding tickets for canceled services during the typhoon warning period could obtain full refunds without fees at any station within one year. ◼
>>> TYPHOON ADVISORY: A typhoon is approaching or affecting Taiwan. Before arrival: Secure loose objects, stockpile 3 days of emergency supplies, charge devices, and familiarize yourself with your evacuation route. During a typhoon: Stay indoors, away from windows. Do not visit beaches, harbors, or coastal areas for wave-watching.
Avoid rivers and low-lying areas. Be alert for strong winds, heavy rainfall, landslides, and falling debris. After passage: Do not go outside immediately (the storm eye may create a temporary calm); watch for downed power lines, avoid floodwater, and check for gas leaks before re-entering buildings. Emergency contacts: General emergencies 119/1999 | Maritime emergencies 118 | Police or disaster reporting 110/119 | Power outages 1911 | Road conditions 1968.
>>> REAL-TIME TYPHOON PATH TRACKING | 即時颱風路徑追蹤:
Monitor the typhoon's projected path, intensity, and timing through these official sources:
01 | Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) — Taiwan's national weather service
→ Typhoon warnings & path forecasts: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/P/Typhoon/TY_NEWS.html
→ Interactive typhoon map: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/P/Typhoon/TY_TRACK.html
02 | Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) — U.S. Navy's Pacific storm tracking facility
→ Tropical warnings: https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html
03 | Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA, 気象庁) — Japan's official weather authority
→ Tropical cyclone information: https://www.data.jma.go.jp/multi/cyclone/index.html?lang=en
04 | Windy.com — Real-time wind and rain visualization
→ Interactive forecast: https://www.windy.com/?24.800,121.000,7