TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Haikui is currently on track to reach Taiwan and is expected to be closest to the island on Sunday (Sept. 3). The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) advises residents in the northern areas to exercise caution.
Currently classified as a mild typhoon, Typhoon Haikui is expected to strengthen into a moderate typhoon over the weekend.
Originally expected to head north toward the Ryukyu Islands, Haikui's trajectory took an unexpected turn on Thursday (Aug. 31), now approaching Taiwan. It is expected to make landfall in Yilan or Hualien.
At 8 a.m. on Friday, Haikui was 870 km east-southeast of Taipei, moving west-northwest at 13 kph, CWB data showed.
There is a possibility that it might pass through Taiwan from east to west, posing a threat to northern regions.
The periphery of Haikui is likely to bring heavy rains to parts of Taiwan as it swirls past. The impact is expected to be most significant between Sunday and early Monday (Sept. 3-4).
On Saturday, heavy rainfall is expected in the northern and eastern areas. Mountains in central and southern parts could also experience torrential rain. Please refrain from going to mountainous areas.
A sea warning may be issued in the evening on Friday. A land warning is expected to be issued on Saturday.
CWB projected Haikui will veer away from Taiwan in the latter half of Sunday.
If Haikui does not go as far north as projected, it could also bring heavy rainfall to southern Taiwan. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates to the public.
