Taiwan has largely shut down ahead of Typhoon Champi, with hundreds of flights cancelled as the weakening storm threatens the island with powerful winds and torrential rain.
Although Champi is no longer at its peak intensity and is not expected to make direct landfall in Taiwan, it was still producing gusts of around 191kph (119mph) near its centre, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA).
The storm was located about 330km (205 miles) east of Taiwan’s southern tip, with a forecast path taking it past north-eastern Taiwan before turning north towards the Chinese coast and eventually moving towards southern Japan.
The CWA said Champi’s radius extended about 320km (200 miles), covering most of Taiwan. Weather experts warned that its effects could persist for nearly two days.
Taiwan’s financial markets were also closed on Friday, while schools and government offices across most of the island suspended operations. The Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, located near the Chinese coast, were the exception, with normal operations continuing.
The Transport Ministry announced that all 262 domestic flights scheduled for Friday had been cancelled, along with more than 350 international flights.
In the capital, Taipei, residents experienced heavy showers and strong gusts. Public transport, including the subway, continued operating, although services were reduced.
Champi was previously classified as a super typhoon and was among the strongest storms in the Pacific this year. Despite its weakening intensity, its large size means it could still bring significant weather disruptions.
Taiwan is generally well prepared for typhoons, helping to keep casualties relatively low. Although these storms are more common during summer, they can also strike in autumn.
The storm is forecast to pass first over Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island in Okinawa Prefecture.
