Introduction: Tropical Storm Usagi Heads Toward Taiwan, Heavy Rain and Winds Expected
As Tropical Storm Usagi nears Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued heavy rain warnings for southern and eastern regions, with Pingtung and Taitung counties bracing for increasingly intense rainfall from Friday night through Saturday. The storm, which is on a course that could bring it to landfall in southern Taiwan by Saturday morning, is expected to bring significant weather disruptions, including strong winds and possible flooding.
Storm Details: Usagi’s Current Path and Conditions
At 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Tropical Storm Usagi was located 100 kilometers west of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost tip. The storm is moving at a relatively slow pace, heading east-northeast at 8 km per hour. Despite its weakening intensity, the storm is still capable of causing severe weather conditions, with sustained winds reaching up to 83 km/h and gusts of up to 108 km/h.
Key Storm Data:
- Location: 100 km west of Cape Eluanbi, southern Taiwan
- Movement: East-northeast at 8 km/h
- Maximum Sustained Winds: 83 km/h
- Maximum Gusts: 108 km/h
- Storm Radius: 100 km
As of the latest update from the CWA, Usagi’s average radius has reduced to 100 kilometers, indicating a slight weakening. However, the storm is still expected to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly in southern and eastern Taiwan.
Weather Warnings: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected
The CWA has issued heavy rain warnings for regions in the storm’s path, particularly in Pingtung, Taitung, and Hualien. Local authorities are warning residents to prepare for the possibility of extremely heavy rain, which could lead to flooding and landslides in some areas.
Key Areas Under Weather Alerts:
- Heavy Rain Alerts: Hualien, Pingtung
- Extremely Heavy Rain Warnings: Taitung
- Strong Winds Expected: Hengchun Peninsula, coastal areas of Pingtung, northern Taiwan, and the Matsu, Penghu, Green Island, and Orchid Island.
The CWA has also issued warnings for strong winds that are expected to impact the Hengchun Peninsula, coastal areas of Pingtung, northern Taiwan, and the outlying islands of Matsu, Penghu, Green Island, and Orchid Island. These strong winds are anticipated to continue until Saturday noon, with gusts reaching up to 108 km/h in some areas.
Disruptions: Flight Cancellations and Ferry Service Interruptions
As Tropical Storm Usagi approaches, domestic flights and ferry services have been heavily affected.
Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air have announced cancellations of several flights on Saturday, particularly to Taitung and Kaohsiung, due to the expected severe weather.
Cancelled Flights:
- Mandarin Airlines:
- AE-391 and AE-392 (Taipei Songshan to Taitung)
- AE-301, AE-302 (Kaohsiung to Kinmen)
- AE-331, AE-332, AE-333, and AE-334 (Kaohsiung to Penghu)
- UNI Air:
- B7-8721 and B7-8722 (Taipei Songshan to Taitung)
- B7-8911 and B7-8912 (Kaohsiung to Kinmen)
Additionally, 77 ferry services operating on eight routes, including those linking the Matsu Islands with Fuzhou in China, have also been cancelled due to the expected bad weather.
What to Expect: Key Impacts of Tropical Storm Usagi
- Heavy rainfall expected to affect southern and eastern Taiwan starting Friday night, with the heaviest rain anticipated by Saturday.
- Strong winds impacting the Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung, northern Taiwan, and outlying islands such as Matsu and Penghu.
- Flooding and landslides possible in areas with heavy rainfall.
- Significant disruptions to travel with numerous flights and ferry services cancelled or delayed.
Table: Summary of Key Weather Alerts and Travel Disruptions
| Event | Affected Areas | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Rain Alerts | Pingtung, Hualien | Heavy rain expected, with potential flooding in low-lying areas. |
| Extremely Heavy Rain Warnings | Taitung | Risk of severe flooding and landslides due to intense rainfall. |
| Strong Winds Expected | Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung, Northern Taiwan, Matsu, Penghu, Green Island, Orchid Island | Winds up to 108 km/h expected. |
| Flight Cancellations | Mandarin Airlines, UNI Air (Taipei Songshan, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Kinmen, Penghu) | Multiple domestic flights cancelled. |
| Ferry Service Cancellations | Matsu Islands, Penghu, Fuzhou route | 77 ferry services cancelled on eight routes. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What areas of Taiwan are most affected by Tropical Storm Usagi?
The storm is expected to impact southern and eastern Taiwan, particularly Pingtung, Taitung, Hualien, and outlying islands like Penghu and Matsu. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit these regions, with Taitung facing the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall.
2. How strong are the winds from Tropical Storm Usagi?
The storm is currently producing sustained winds of 83 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 108 km/h. These strong winds are expected to affect coastal areas, including the Hengchun Peninsula, and the outlying islands.
3. Are there any flight cancellations due to the storm?
Yes, multiple domestic flights have been cancelled by Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air due to the storm. Affected routes include those between Taipei Songshan and Taitung, Kaohsiung and Kinmen, and Kaohsiung and Penghu.
4. Will there be disruptions to ferry services?
Yes, 77 ferry services have been cancelled, including routes linking the Matsu Islands with Fuzhou, China. Travelers are advised to check with ferry companies for updated schedules.
5. When will the storm hit Taiwan?
Tropical Storm Usagi is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan early on Saturday morning. Heavy rain and strong winds will begin to affect the area from Friday night.
