Typhoon Barway Approaches Taiwan, Triggering Widespread Cancellations and Closures

Typhoon Barway is poised to bring significant weather disruptions to Taiwan, with the strongest impact expected from Friday night through Saturday. Forecasters anticipate powerful winds and torrential rain across the island, with particular concern for persistent heavy rainfall in the northern, northeastern, and central-southern mountainous areas.

In response to the impending storm, authorities have announced a wide range of cancellations and postponements affecting transportation, public events, and tourist attractions. The university entrance exam (College Entrance Examination) has been rescheduled to July 13-14. Several China Airlines flights between Taipei and Okinawa have been altered or canceled, and ferry services between Kaohsiung and Penghu are subject to early departures or cancellations due to anticipated rough seas.

Transportation networks are heavily impacted, with eastern sea routes facing a complete suspension from Friday afternoon until Monday. Roads in mountainous areas, including the Xue Shan Keng industrial road in Taichung and sections of Nantou County's Tou 95 line, are subject to precautionary closures. The Alishan Forest Railway's main line will suspend services, and various other scenic railway lines and national forest recreation areas will also close.

Numerous cultural and recreational events have been postponed or canceled. Mayday's concert at Taipei Dome is moved to Saturday. The "Tea Rhyme Fairy Tale - Hakka Tea Culture" performance is delayed, and the Taichung MRT's new employee interview has been postponed. The "Yehliu Rock Light Night Tour" is suspended, and the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folk Game Festival will temporarily close. Other events, including a Pokemon GO community event and a Hakka culinary festival in Taoyuan, are also affected.

Tourist attractions are implementing precautionary closures. National forest recreation areas, nature trails, and forest roads in various regions, including Taroko, Alishan, and Yilan's Taiping Mountain, will be closed. Popular sites like Guishan Island will be sealed off, and attractions such as Cingjing Farm and Hehuanshan will suspend operations. These measures are taken to ensure public safety as the typhoon approaches.