Taiwan in a state of high alert: The entire island nation of Taiwan shut down on Thursday, October 31st, in preparation for the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey. This powerful storm, expected to be the largest to hit Taiwan in 30 years, prompted a complete island-wide closure.
Schools, offices, and financial markets closed: All cities and counties declared a day off, with schools, offices, and financial markets shutting their doors. Domestic flights were cancelled, and international flights saw significant disruptions with 298 cancellations. Ferry services to outlying islands were also suspended.
A Weakened Giant: While initially a super typhoon, Kong-rey weakened slightly overnight but remained a formidable force. Forecasters classified it as a Category 4 hurricane, packing wind gusts exceeding 250 kph (155 mph). Taiwan's Central Weather Administration designated it a "strong typhoon," the highest level on their scale.
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| As of 8:30 AM on October 31, 2024, Typhoon Kong-rey was tracking northwestward towards Taiwan. It was expected to make landfall on the eastern coast of Taiwan later that afternoon. |
Eastern Taiwan in the Crosshairs: Warnings for destructive winds exceeding 160 kph (100 mph) were issued for the eastern county of Taitung. Lanyu Island, located off the coast of Taitung, experienced gusts over 260 kph (162 mph) before some wind-measuring equipment malfunctioned.
Heavy Rainfall and Evacuations: Up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) of rain were predicted for eastern Taiwan, with the potential for devastating coastal winds. The government proactively evacuated 1,300 people from high-risk areas.
Troops on Standby and Businesses Prepare: The defense ministry deployed 36,000 troops to assist in potential rescue efforts. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., a vital supplier to tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, activated typhoon preparation procedures at all its facilities. However, they anticipate minimal operational impact.
Limited Transportation and Public Warnings: Taiwan's high-speed rail system continued with a significantly reduced schedule. The government strongly advised citizens to stay away from mountains and coastlines for their safety.
Kong-rey's Path: The typhoon is expected to weaken further as it traverses central Taiwan before moving into the Taiwan Strait. It might brush against China's coastline on Friday morning.
Taiwan - No Stranger to Typhoons: This subtropical island nation endures frequent typhoons. Earlier this month, Typhoon Krathon caused fatalities, claiming the lives of four people as it passed through the southern region.
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