The powerful Super Typhoon Krathon is on a direct path toward Taiwan, with satellite images confirming that the storm is rapidly approaching the island.
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), Krathon is currently classified as a Category 4 typhoon and is expected to hit the southern regions of Taiwan by Wednesday.
Heavy rain warnings are in effect for various areas including the north, northeast, and southwest of the island. The hardest hit regions, particularly the southern and eastern coasts, brace for significant rainfall, with officials warning of both torrential and “extremely torrential” downpours.
To ensure safety, the Taiwanese government announced the closure of all schools and government offices on Wednesday. Many private companies have also opted for a “typhoon day,” suspending operations as a precaution.
On Monday, an animated graphic from Zoom Earth showcased Krathon’s trajectory, demonstrating its initial northwest movement before shifting to a northern and then northeast direction.
As of 8 p.m. local time, the storm was located approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) south-southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern port city, the CWA reported.
With a radius of 137 miles, Krathon boasts maximum sustained winds of 123 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 152 miles per hour. The storm’s slow advance at just 3.7 miles per hour raises concerns, particularly for residents in low-lying areas facing potential storm surge.
CWA meteorologist Wu Wan-hua cautioned that Krathon’s unusual path—entering from the south and exiting to the east—warrants extra vigilance. President Lai Ching-te echoed this sentiment during a government briefing.
In preparation, the Taiwan Defense Ministry has mobilized troops and equipment, putting them on standby for emergency response.
The outer bands of Krathon have already begun to affect Kaohsiung, as well as nearby Pingtung and Taitung counties.
Before approaching Taiwan, Krathon impacted the northern Philippines, known there as Typhoon Julian, displacing over 1,700 people and affecting more than 77,000 residents, as reported by local authorities.
Typhoon season in Southeast Asia generally runs from May to October, peaking in late summer due to warm ocean waters that fuel storm activity. Krathon marks the 18th typhoon this season.