Typhoon Bailong Approaches Taiwan, Threatening Heavy Rain and Coastal Hazards

Typhoon Bailong is steadily approaching Taiwan, leading the Central Weather Administration to issue a sea typhoon warning. As of 5 a.m. today, the typhoon's center was situated approximately 540 kilometers northeast of Taipei, moving northwest-west at a speed of 8 to 14 kilometers per hour. The storm poses a threat to the northern and northeastern sea areas of Taiwan. The typhoon's eyewall is expected to pass near Taiwan's northern coast on August 8th and 9th, with a possibility of slight north-south oscillation during its passage.

The typhoon currently has maximum sustained winds of 38 meters per second (approximately 137 kilometers per hour), equivalent to a Category 13 storm, with instantaneous maximum gusts reaching 48 meters per second (approximately 173 kilometers per hour), equivalent to a Category 15 storm. Its seven-force wind radius extends 280 kilometers, and its ten-force wind radius is 90 kilometers.

Today, August 8th, the outer circulation of Typhoon Bailong will affect Taiwan. Northern regions and the mountainous areas of central Taiwan and Yilan are expected to experience prolonged rainfall, with a high chance of heavy rain. Some areas may even see thunderstorms. Northern Taiwan and central mountainous areas could experience localized torrential downpours, and northern mountainous areas have a chance of rainfall at or above the torrential level. Central plains, southern regions, and eastern mountainous areas will see scattered showers or thunderstorms, with a possibility of localized heavy rain in central plains. Eastern plains will be cloudy with occasional scattered showers.

Temperatures today will see highs of around 30 to 33 degrees Celsius in the north, while other areas could reach 34 to 36 degrees Celsius. The eastern half of the island may experience föhn winds, with Yilan and Hualien having a chance of extreme high temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius. Residents are advised to stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke. The weather administration also noted that strong winds of 6 or more Beaufort scale, or gusts of 8 or more, are possible in specific coastal areas. Additionally, long waves are expected along the coasts of northern Taiwan, eastern Taiwan, southern Hengchun Peninsula, and outlying islands, with wave heights potentially exceeding 3 meters. Northern coastal areas could even experience giant waves over 6 meters, and non-essential sea activities should be avoided.