TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for Typhoon Podul's (楊柳) most severe impact Wednesday (Aug. 13) as the storm advances west-northwest at 24 kph (15 mph) from a position 1,290 kilometers (802 miles) southeast by east of Taipei. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) Taiwan's national meteorological agency anticipates the currently mild storm will strengthen into a moderate typhoon as it approaches the eastern counties of Hualien and Taitung. Weather officials warn southern Taiwan faces the likelihood of heavy rainfall during the storm's approach.
Weather forecasters have identified areas facing the highest storm impact probabilities, with Chiayi City and Chiayi County showing more than 90% likelihood of severe weather effects. Similar elevated risks affect Taitung County, the offshore Green Island (綠島), and Yunlin County according to official projections. The administration's 120-hour storm impact assessment places Penghu County archipelago at greatest risk with an 89% probability, while Chiayi City and Green Island follow closely at 86% likelihood.
Meteorological authorities will issue a maritime warning late Monday (Aug. 11) night, with a terrestrial warning following Tuesday (Aug. 12) during daylight hours. Weather officials predict wind and rain conditions will progressively intensify beginning Tuesday evening before reaching maximum severity Wednesday. Forecasters expect heavy precipitation, potentially escalating to torrential downpours, across Hualien and southern mountainous areas, while southern Taiwan and Yilan's coastal lowlands prepare for substantial rainfall accumulations.
Typhoon Podul will track toward mainland China by Thursday (Aug. 14), coinciding with the Pacific high-pressure system's intensification by Friday (Aug. 15). Weather experts note that while the storm will cease generating southwesterly wind patterns after its departure, southern Taiwan must maintain heightened alert status for heavy rainfall Wednesday. The shifting atmospheric conditions will mark the storm's transition away from Taiwan's immediate vicinity. ◼
