Schools, restaurants, and shops shut down, tens of thousands of soldiers were on standby and dozens of flights were cancelled as Taiwan braced for Super Typhoon Krathon’s arrival on its western coast.
The typhoon, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 198 kmph and gusts up to 245 kmph, is located 236 kilometres south-southeast of Kaohsiung, where it is expected to make landfall tomorrow.
The storm’s large radius of 220 kilometres means its outer rim has already affected Pingtung, Taitung, and Kaohsiung, with torrential rain and strong winds battering the coastline.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued warnings for extremely heavy rain, with up to 350 mm expected in mountainous areas.
Schools and offices are closed in six cities and counties, and 85 domestic flights, along with international routes, including to Hong Kong, were cancelled. Ferry services to outlying islands have also been halted.
The storm earlier hit the northernmost islands of the Philippines, prompting evacuations, school closures, and warnings of “potentially very destructive” rainfall.
Key Points
- Taiwan’s president warns of 'catastrophic damage' from Typhon Krathon
- School closures and flight cancellations in Taiwan
- Typhoon Krathon tracker: Path and forecast
- Hong Kong set to experience extreme heat amid Typhoon Krathon
- Typhoon Krathon lashes Philippines with ‘very destructive’ rainfall
Typhoon Krathon disrupts flights in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Tuesday 1 October 2024 12:30
Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Krathon is causing travel disruption in Taiwan and Hong Kong as it nears landfall.More than 94 flights have been cancelled across Taiwan, according to Taiwan News.
HK Express said it would cancel 12 flights travelling between Hong Kong and Taichung, Taipei and Kaohsiung on Wednesday and Thursday, SCMP reported.
The storm is set to hit Taiwan’s southern port city of Kaohsiung tomorrow morning local time.
Why slow-moving typhoons like Krathon can be more devastating
Tuesday 1 October 2024 11:50
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon's slow movement has raised concerns about its potential impact on Taiwan.
The storm is traveling at a speed of just 4-5 kmph, with its outer bands lashing Taiwan since yesterday. Krathon is expected to make landfall in the morning and then continue impacting Taiwan through until Thursday as it slowly moves over the island, eventually weakening.
While fast-moving typhoons cause significant damage, slow-moving storms often prove to be even more devastating.
Slow-moving typhoons tend to linger over an area for longer periods, leading to exceptional volumes of rainfall. In Krathon's case, regions like Pingtung and Taitung have already accumulated 300 mm of rain, with totals potentially exceeding 600 mm in some areas. This extended rainfall dramatically increases the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions, where the saturated soil becomes unstable.
The affected regions are also subjected to the storm's intense winds for a longer duration, increasing the likelihood of structural damage and power outages.
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon location and forecast
Tuesday 1 October 2024 11:20
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon has maintained its fierce intensity while moving slowly across the South China Sea.
The storm's centre was located at 208 kilometres south-southeast of Kaohsiung this afternoon local time, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Krathon's maximum sustained winds near the centre have intensified to 198 kmph, with gusts reaching 270 kmph, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.
Taiwan expands warnings as Typhoon Krathon intensifies
Tuesday 1 October 2024 10:50
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) upgraded its weather warnings to include several more regions after Krathon intensified into a super typhoon earlier.
The warning now also includes Penghu, Yunlin, and Hualien. Some parts of Taiwan have already accumulated up to 300mm of rainfall.
The slow moving storm is expected to bring extreme weather throughout much of Taiwan's main island from today through Thursday.
Typhoon Krathon poses 'unprecedented' threat to semiconductor sector
Tuesday 1 October 2024 10:27
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon is set to make an unprecedented landfall on Taiwan’s heavily populated west coast near Kaohsiung, bringing weather disruptions to the region’s industrial and semiconductor sectors.
“Normally, typhoons in the western Pacific (especially in a place like Taiwan) track from east to west across this area,” Jon Davis, Chief meteorologist at Everstream Analytics, said.
This is why Taiwan has a heavy concentration of people and businesses on the West Coast of the Island while very few people live on the East Coast of Taiwan – the area of normally higher risk.
Typhoon Krathon is going to take a track and make landfall on the West Coast of Taiwan near Kaohsiung based on the latest data.” Krathon’s west coast track is rare, with no major typhoon (Category 3 or higher) making landfall near Kaohsiung in the past 34 years, Mr Davis said.
“This will be an unprecedented event for the southwest portion of Taiwan,” he wrote in a statement.
Krathon has intensified into a Category 4 storm today. It is expected to bring 4-20 inches (100-508 mm) of rain, with the heaviest totals on Taiwan’s eastern coast.
While the top manufacturer TSMC has said they do not expect impacts on their operation, experts warn the extreme weather could pose challenges like infrastructure damage and supply chain issues.
Kaohsiung is home to many industrial facilities, including suppliers for the aviation components, consumer and industrial electronics, industrial metals, and industrial chemicals industries.
“The area hosts several industrial estates and science and technology centers with manufacturing concentrations, including the Kaohsiung Luzhu Science Park, the Nanzih Technology Industrial Park, and the Kaohsiung Ciaotu Science Park,” Jena Santoro, senior manager of Intelligence Solutions at Everstream, said.
“Together, these parks form a semiconductor manufacturing corridor in southern Taiwan which supports the development of the most advanced semiconductors through companies.”
“Typhoon Krathon’s forecasted Category 4 strength puts this high-value industry cluster at risk of disruption from preemptive production halts, personnel shortages due to evacuations, prolonged power outages, and production delays prompted by damage to facilities and equipment.”
Taiwan’s president warns of 'catastrophic damage' from Typhon Krathon
Tuesday 1 October 2024 09:29
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan’s president warned that the storm could impose ‘catastrophic damage” on the island and warned “everyone must be particularly vigilant.”
“Typhoon Krathon has intensified into a strong typhoon with strong wind, heavy rain and high storm surge, and it is set to bring catastrophic damage,” Taiwan president Lai Ching-te said today during a visit to the Central Emergency Operations Centre, which was set up over the weekend to coordinate response measures to the typhoon.
Typhoon Krathon to bring life-threatening floods and power outages
Tuesday 1 October 2024 08:40
Stuti Mishra
Slow moving Typhoon Krathon is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan tomorrow afternoon or night, AccuWeather says, bringing with it the possibility of life-threatening conditions.
According to Jason Nicholls, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, Krathon is expected to strike near Kaohsiung City with sustained winds of around 110 mph (175 kmph) and gusts up to 155 mph (250 kmph).
He warned that the storm’s impact could be severe, with significant damage likely to occur.
“Rainfall in Taiwan can total over 24 inches (600 mm), which will result in life-threatening flooding and an increased risk of mudslides,” Mr Nicholls told The Independent. “The strong winds will result in structural damage and power outages,” he added.
Krathon, currently equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, is intensifying as it approaches Taiwan. But the storm is moving slowly at a speed of around 4-5 kilometres per hour (approximately 2-3 mph). Its bands are already lashing Taiwan's eastern regions with heavy rainfall.
Meteorologists expect torrential rain and powerful winds to affect large swaths of the island, with coastal and mountainous regions particularly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration has issued heavy rain and wind alerts, urging residents to prepare for potentially catastrophic impacts.
Mayor warns Krathon could be as devastating as 1977’s Typhoon Thelma
Tuesday 1 October 2024 08:20
Stuti Mishra
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan's southwest coast, Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai compared the storm’s potential devastation to Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which left Kaohsiung without water and electricity and caused the deaths of 37 people.
"After the typhoon, the whole of Kaohsiung was without water and electricity, just like a war," Mr Chen said, urging residents to stay indoors. "As much as possible, limit going out."
According to Li Meng-hsiang, a forecaster from the Central Weather Administration (CWA), Krathon has reached its peak intensity but could weaken slightly before landfall.
"The storm surge might bring tides inland," Li warned. "If it's raining heavily, it will make it difficult to discharge waters, and as a result, coastal areas will be subject to flooding."
Taiwan's defence ministry has mobilised 38,000 troops for rescue and relief operations.
Photos: Sandbags, taped windows and wet weather as Taiwan prepares for Typhoon Krathon
Tuesday 1 October 2024 07:50
Stuti Mishra
TSMC says it does not expect significant impact from Typhoon Krathon
Tuesday 1 October 2024 07:20
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, said that it has activated its routine typhoon preparation procedures ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon and does not expect a significant impact to its operations.
Kaohsiung Mayor warns Typhoon Krathon’s path as devastating as 1977’s Typhoon Thelma
Tuesday 1 October 2024 06:50
Stuti Mishra
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan's southwest coast, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai compared the storm’s potential devastation to Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which left Kaohsiung without water and electricity and caused the deaths of 37 people.
"After the typhoon, the whole of Kaohsiung was without water and electricity, just like a war," Mr Chen said, urging residents to stay indoors. "As much as possible, limit going out."
According to Li Meng-hsiang, a forecaster from the Central Weather Administration (CWA), Krathon has reached its peak intensity but could weaken slightly before landfall.
"The storm surge might bring tides inland," Li warned. "If it's raining heavily, it will make it difficult to discharge waters, and as a result, coastal areas will be subject to flooding."
Taiwan's defence ministry has mobilised 38,000 troops for rescue and relief operations.
Photos: Rainbow in the sky amid rainfall in Taipei
Tuesday 1 October 2024 06:20
Stuti Mishra
School closures and flight cancellations in Taiwan
Tuesday 1 October 2024 05:53
Stuti Mishra
As Super Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, authorities have ordered widespread closures of schools and offices across six major cities and counties, including Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, Hualien, Taitung, and Chiayi.
The storm is expected to make landfall tomorrow, bringing with it severe weather that could last until Thursday.
At least 85 domestic flights and several international routes, particularly those between Taiwan and Hong Kong, have been cancelled as a precaution. Ferry services to outlying islands have also been suspended until further notice.
Typhoon Krathon intensifies as it approaches southern Taiwan
Tuesday 1 October 2024 05:17
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon has further intensified, reaching the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane as it slowly moves towards Taiwan's southwestern coast. The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 198 kmph and gusts up to 270 kmph.
This morning, Krathon was located approximately 236 kilometres south-southeast of Kaohsiung, moving north at a slow pace of 4 kmph.
Krathon is expected to make landfall in southwestern Taiwan tomorrow, with forecasts predicting that the storm could be just 60 kilometres south-southwest of Kaohsiung by 8am local time (midnight GMT).
The typhoon's outer bands have already started impacting southern Taiwan, with heavy rains and strong winds affecting Pingtung and Taitung counties and Kaohsiung City.
Sailors rescued amid rough seas and worsening weather
Tuesday 1 October 2024 04:45
Stuti Mishra
Off the southeast coast, Taiwan's coast guard dispatched a boat to rescue 19 sailors from the cargo vessel Blue Lagoon who were forced to abandon ship as it took on water in its engine room, with a rescue helicopter having to turn back due to the wind and rain.
The coast guard said the crew consisted of seven Ukrainians, nine Egyptians and three Russians, which had set off from China's Caofeidian port for Singapore.
Taiwan mobilises 40,000 troops
Tuesday 1 October 2024 04:30
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops today in preparation for search and rescue operations, with the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaching its populous southwest coast and expected to bring a storm surge.
Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific, but this one will make landfall on the island's flat western plain.
Krathon is forecast to hit the major port city of Kaohsiung on Wednesday morning, then work its way across the centre of Taiwan heading northeast and cross out into the East China Sea, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.
Kaohsiung, home to some 2.7 million people, declared a holiday and told people to stay at home as Krathon - labelled a super typhoon by the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Centre - approached.
Li Meng-hsiang, a forecaster for Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, said the storm has reached its maximum intensity and could weaken slightly as it moves closer to Taiwan, warning of gusts of more than 150 kmph (93 mph) for the southwest.
"The storm surge might bring tides inland," Mr Li said. "If it's raining heavily it will make it difficult to discharge waters and as a result coastal areas will be subject to flooding."
Taiwan's defence ministry said it had put more than 38,000 troops on standby, as Kaohsiung residents made their own preparations.
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Tuesday 1 October 2024 03:00
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Watch: Philippine Coast Guard tows stranded speedboat as Typhoon Krathon approaches the Philippines
Tuesday 1 October 2024 02:00
Alexander Butler
Photos: Staff stock canned food at supermarkets in Taipei ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Tuesday 1 October 2024 01:00
Alexander Butler
Philippines: People wade through flooded streets
Monday 30 September 2024 23:00
Alexander Butler
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 22:00
Alexander Butler
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 20:30
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Map: Typhoon Krathon continues to intensify as it moves closer to Taiwan
Monday 30 September 2024 19:30
Alexander Butler
Typhoon Krathon is continuing to intensify as it churns towars Taiwan.
The storm is currently located approximately 260 kilometres southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost point, Cape Eluanbi.
It is slowly moving west-northwest at 5 kmph, with maximum sustained winds of 213 kmph and gusts up to 260 kmph, making it close to a Category 4 hurricane.
Krathon’s approach is causing heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions across Taiwan’s eastern and southern regions.
Hong Kong set to experience extreme heat amid Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 18:30
Alexander Butler
Hong Kong is set to experience scorching temperatures today and tomorrow as Typhoon Krathon approaches southern Taiwan.
Though the storm is not expected to directly affect Hong Kong, the city will feel the heat due to the typhoon’s outer subsiding air, causing temperatures to soar across southern China, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
Despite Krathon remaining over 500 kilometres from Hong Kong, residents were advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat on these very hot days.
Forecast animation shows path of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 17:30
Alexander Butler
A forecast animation from Zoom Earth, a privately-run weather tracker, shows Typhoon Krathon’s projected path as it heads toward southern Taiwan.
The animation shows the typhoon’s intense wind gusts and possible landfall near Kaohsiung, with winds expected to exceed 200 kmph.
However, the storm’s interaction with Taiwan’s mountainous terrain could lead to unpredictable changes in its direction, making the exact landfall location difficult to forecast.
A very powerful typhoon could strike southern #Taiwan on Wednesday, bringing winds over 200 km/h and extreme rainfall ⚠️
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 30, 2024
Typhoon #Krathon’s exact landfall location will be difficult to forecast.
As the typhoon interacts with the high mountains of Taiwan, its motion could become… pic.twitter.com/gUoBdboGxZ
Intensifying Typhoon Krathon forecast to hit Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 16:30
Alexander Butler
Taiwan issued a land warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon which is expected to intensify and cross the island’s densely populated west coast bringing torrential rain and strong winds.
Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.
Krathon, categorised as a medium strength typhoon, is forecast to hit the major port city of Kaohsiung early on Wednesday, then work its way across the bottom tip of Taiwan and cross out into the Pacific, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.
The typhoon is expected to further intensify into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, packing powerful winds of more than 220 kmh (125 mph) near its centre, according to Tropical Storm Risk.
“The impact is getting bigger and bigger,” said Gene Huang, forecaster at the CWA, pointing to threats to Taiwan’s southwest and adding it was “rare” for such a powerful typhoon to make a direct hit to the island’s western plains.
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 16:00
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Typhoon Krathon: Eastern Taiwan sees heavy rain and landslides
Monday 30 September 2024 15:30
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon inches closer to Taiwan, eastern regions have already begun to experience its impact.
From last night, heavy rainfall has been battering the area, causing landslides along Provincial Highway No 9, disrupting traffic between Su’ao in Yilan County and Chongde in Hualien, Focus Taiwan reported.
Several vehicles were trapped near Huide Tunnel, though no injuries were reported.
All stranded individuals were successfully rescued, and the blocked sections of the highway were closed as a precaution.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued heavy rain alerts for Taiwan’s eastern counties, with rainfall expected to exceed 80 mm within 24 hours.
Taiwan’s national parks, beaches, and ferry services have also been suspended as safety measures. Transportation between Hualien and Taitung, along with sections of the South Link Line, has been halted due to the storm’s progression.
Krathon is expected to make landfall on Taiwan’s southern coast tomorrow, with strong winds and torrential rain likely to affect the island through Thursday.
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 15:00
Alexander Butler
Powerful Typhoon Krathon forecast to hit Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 14:31
Alexander Butler
Taiwan issued a warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon, which has strengthened into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to cross the densely populated west coast bringing torrential rain and strong winds.
Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.
Krathon is forecast to hit the major port city of Kaohsiung early on Wednesday afternoon, then work its way across the centre of Taiwan heading northeast and cross out into the East China Sea, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 14:00
Stuti Mishra
See the forecast, warnings and path of Typhoon Krathon for the next two days:
Map: Typhoon Krathon continues to intensify as it moves closer to Taiwan
Monday 30 September 2024 13:30
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon is continuing to intensify as it churns towars Taiwan.
The storm is currently located approximately 260 kilometres southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost point, Cape Eluanbi.
It is slowly moving west-northwest at 5 kmph, with maximum sustained winds of 213 kmph and gusts up to 260 kmph, making it close to a Category 4 hurricane.
Krathon’s approach is causing heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions across Taiwan's eastern and southern regions.
Typhoon Krathon: Eastern Taiwan sees heavy rain and landslides
Monday 30 September 2024 13:00
Stuti Mishra
As Typhoon Krathon inches closer to Taiwan, eastern regions have already begun to experience its impact.
From last night, heavy rainfall has been battering the area, causing landslides along Provincial Highway No 9, disrupting traffic between Su'ao in Yilan County and Chongde in Hualien, Focus Taiwan reported.
Several vehicles were trapped near Huide Tunnel, though no injuries were reported.
All stranded individuals were successfully rescued, and the blocked sections of the highway were closed as a precaution.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued heavy rain alerts for Taiwan’s eastern counties, with rainfall expected to exceed 80 mm within 24 hours.
Taiwan’s national parks, beaches, and ferry services have also been suspended as safety measures. Transportation between Hualien and Taitung, along with sections of the South Link Line, has been halted due to the storm's progression.
Krathon is expected to make landfall on Taiwan's southern coast tomorrow, with strong winds and torrential rain likely to affect the island through Thursday.
Philippines: People wade through flooded streets
Monday 30 September 2024 12:30
Stuti Mishra
Photos: Staff stock canned food at supermarkets in Taipei ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 12:00
Stuti Mishra
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 11:30
Stuti Mishra
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Forecast animation shows path of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 11:06
Stuti Mishra
A forecast animation from Zoom Earth, a privately-run weather tracker, shows Typhoon Krathon’s projected path as it heads toward southern Taiwan.
The animation shows the typhoon's intense wind gusts and possible landfall near Kaohsiung, with winds expected to exceed 200 kmph.
However, the storm's interaction with Taiwan's mountainous terrain could lead to unpredictable changes in its direction, making the exact landfall location difficult to forecast.
A very powerful typhoon could strike southern #Taiwan on Wednesday, bringing winds over 200 km/h and extreme rainfall ⚠️
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 30, 2024
Typhoon #Krathon’s exact landfall location will be difficult to forecast.
As the typhoon interacts with the high mountains of Taiwan, its motion could become… pic.twitter.com/gUoBdboGxZ
Satellite image shows Typhoon Krathon's intensity
Monday 30 September 2024 10:40
Stuti Mishra
A satellite image taken from Japan's Himawari-9 a while back shows Typhoon Krathon swirling over the Luzon Strait, between the Philippines and Taiwan.
The well-defined eye and dense cloud bands show that Krathon has grown in strength, as it moves northwest toward Taiwan.
The typhoon's spiral structure is clear, with intense thunderstorms surrounding the eye, a hallmark of a strong storm.
Video: Philippine Coast Guard tows stranded speedboat amid Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 10:20
Stuti Mishra
Travel disruptions and closures due to Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 10:00
Stuti Mishra
Coastal and national park areas have been closed in Taiwan as a precaution, and ferry services have been suspended across several regions.
The rail line connecting southern Taiwan to the east coast was halted on Monday afternoon due to the storm, though the north-south high-speed railway continues to operate as normal.
Despite the disruptions, international flights from Taipei have not yet been affected, according to the transport ministry.
Typhoon Krathon forecast: Storm to hit Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 09:40
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued a warning for the western and southern regions of the country as Typhoon Krathon approaches.
Extremely heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours, is expected in areas such as Hualien, Taitung, Orchid Island, and Green Island.
Heavy rain warnings have also been extended to other areas, including Yilan County and mountainous regions of Taipei, New Taipei, and the port city of Kaohsiung.
Authorities have deployed thousands of soldiers and rubber boats to southern and eastern Taiwan, anticipating potential flooding and landslides.
Hong Kong set to experience extreme heat amid Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 09:20
Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong is set to experience scorching temperatures today and tomorrow as Typhoon Krathon approaches southern Taiwan.
Though the storm is not expected to directly affect Hong Kong, the city will feel the heat due to the typhoon's outer subsiding air, causing temperatures to soar across southern China, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
Despite Krathon remaining over 500 kilometres from Hong Kong, residents were advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat on these very hot days.
Video: Rain and winds pick up in Taipei
Monday 30 September 2024 09:00
Stuti Mishra
Rain and winds are starting to pickup in taipei it's empty streets. Already warning issued for super Typhoon krathon landing by central weather administration , schools and flights canceled. pic.twitter.com/9zmJVPNFiL
— Tashi (@hopefulhumanist) September 30, 2024
Photos: Taiwan braces for Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 08:45
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon tracker: Path and forecast
Monday 30 September 2024 08:23
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon is currently tracking west-northwest toward Taiwan after impacting the northern Philippines.
Krathon is classified as a "very strong" typhoon, with maximum sustained winds near the centre reaching 185 kmph and gusts of up to 260 kmph, according to the latest updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA).
Currently located approximately 430 kilometres southeast of Taiwan's southernmost point, Oluanpi, the typhoon is moving west-northwest at a slow speed of around 10 kmph.
Krathon is expected to continue moving westward before turning slightly northwest and making landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan, by late night tomorrow or early morning on Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach up to 185 kmph (115 mph) near the centre, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Following landfall, Krathon is forecast to move across southern Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall, intense winds, and a high risk of flooding.
Typhoon Krathon set to make rare landfall on Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 08:16
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon, a powerful storm that has already lashed the northern Philippines, is now heading toward Taiwan, bringing the potential for destructive winds, torrential rains, and severe flooding.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has classified Krathon as a “very strong” typhoon with sustained winds of 95 knots (109 mph) and gusts of up to 135 knots (155 mph).
It is expected to strengthen further as it approaches Taiwan’s heavily populated western coast tomorrow.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued land and sea warnings as the typhoon draws closer.
The storm is forecast to make landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s major southern port city, late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
“The impact is getting bigger and bigger,” said Gene Huang, forecaster at the CWA, pointing to threats to Taiwan’s southwest and adding it was “rare” for such a powerful typhoon to make a direct hit on the island’s western plains.
Typhoon Krathon lashes Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 08:00
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon, locally known as Typhoon Julian, has battered the northernmost islands of the Philippines, prompting widespread evacuations and warnings of potential devastation to coastal communities.
The powerful storm, with sustained winds of up to 109 mph and gusts reaching 133 mph, was last located near Balintang Island, off the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes, according to the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA.
The slow-moving typhoon is expected to strengthen further, potentially reaching super typhoon status as it turns northeast towards Taiwan tomorrow.
Although no casualties or significant damage have been reported so far, officials remain on high alert as the storm poses a significant threat to lives and infrastructure.
Hundreds of villagers were evacuated, schools were shut down shut down schools and inter-island ferries were closed.
PAGASA has issued warnings of a “moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges” along the coastal areas of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Cagayan province.
“The situation is potentially very destructive to the community,” it said.
Monday 30 September 2024 07:48
Stuti Mishra
Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog on Typhoon Krathon. Follow for the latest updates from the Philippines and Tawain.
