Typhoon Podul entered the Taiwan Strait near Tainan at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. This occurred just three hours after the storm made landfall in Taitung, according to the Central Weather Administration. Although the typhoon moved faster than initially forecast, residents south of Chiayi and Penghu must still prepare for heavy rain and strong winds throughout the day.
At 1 p.m., the eye of Typhoon Podul touched down near Taimali in Taitung. Remarkably, the storm crossed Taiwan in only three hours, reaching Qigu in Tainan by 4 p.m. Despite crossing a mountain range, Typhoon Podul maintained its intensity. This surprised many meteorologists who expected the storm to weaken.
By late Wednesday afternoon, the typhoon sped up to 35 kilometers per hour, moving west-northwest. Near its center, maximum sustained winds hit 155 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 191 kilometers per hour. Forecasters warned that these strong winds, combined with heavy rainfall, could lead to hazardous conditions in the affected areas.
Moreover, the Central Weather Administration expects to lift all land and sea warnings by early Thursday. This will happen after the storm makes landfall in China near Kinmen. However, until then, authorities continue to advise residents, especially in southern and eastern Taiwan, to remain vigilant.
Heavy to extremely heavy rain will persist across much of eastern and southern Taiwan until at least Thursday morning. In addition, mountainous regions across the island, including Taipei and New Taipei, will experience significant rainfall. As a result, residents should be ready for potential flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards.
In the south, areas like Chiayi and Penghu are especially at risk. Local governments have urged residents to take necessary precautions and avoid outdoor activities. Emergency services are on high alert and prepared to respond quickly if needed.
In summary, Typhoon Podul is moving rapidly but still packs a powerful punch. Its quick passage across Taiwan, coupled with sustained strong winds, highlights the ongoing threat. People living in affected regions must stay alert and follow safety instructions closely.
With the typhoon expected to exit the area soon, the main priority remains minimizing damage and protecting public safety. Typhoon Podul’s rapid movement and sustained strength underscore the serious impact it continues to have on Taiwan and nearby regions.
