Taipei warns of strong winds as typhoon approaches, urges vigilance

Taipei's disaster response office has issued a strong wind warning for 11 administrative districts, excluding Wenshan, as Typhoon Bavi approaches. The central weather administration predicts gusts of level 11 or higher from Saturday daytime through the evening.

Officials cautioned residents against complacency, emphasizing that the most intense winds and heavy rain have not yet hit the city. Current measurements show a maximum gust of level 10 at the National Taiwan Science Education Center in Shilin District, and level 12 at Datun Mountain in Beitou District. The strongest gust recorded on the island so far was level 14 in Mudan Township, Pingtung County.

As the typhoon moves northwest, Taipei anticipates shifting winds from the northwest to west between noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday. This change is expected to bring strong gusts of level 9 to 11 to the city. The disaster office strongly advises residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary outings for safety. They also recommend securing outdoor items like signs and potted plants, and clearing debris from drainage systems to prevent potential damage.