Taiwan issues heavy rain warnings for 19 counties; six cities face flood alerts

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration has issued severe weather alerts across the island, with 19 counties and cities facing warnings for torrential and heavy rainfall. The agency also issued immediate thunderstorm advisories for nine areas, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung-Pingtung.

The intense weather is driven by Typhoon Mikala moving northward, an approaching weather front, and strengthening southwest winds. The Water Resources Agency has placed 55 locations in six counties and cities, New Taipei, Hsinchu, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Penghu, under first or second-level flood alerts, indicating a high risk of inundation.

Specifically, Kaohsiung and Pingtung are under ultra-heavy rain warnings, while Tainan faces a heavy rain warning. These areas are susceptible to localized extreme downpours. The advisories urge caution against flash floods, landslides, falling rocks, and reduced visibility due to lightning and strong gusts.