Typhoon Bawi Weakens After Landfall; Experts Warn of 'Next 6 Hours' Peak Wind and Rain

Typhoon Bawi made landfall in Taiwan around 2 a.m. today, but has since weakened. Despite the reduced intensity, the storm's center is expected to be closest to Taiwan over the next six hours as it moves northwest, potentially bringing the most significant wind and rain of the event.

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The typhoon has weakened again! Mountainous areas will have more rain. Bawi's intensity has weakened over the past three hours. From the radar, the cloud system on the side of Taiwan being invaded by the typhoon is relatively loose. Furthermore, the center is farther from Taiwan's landmass, so there hasn't been particularly severe wind and rain.

A weather enthusiast page, 'Weather Express,' noted on Facebook that while Bawi has weakened, central and northern Taiwan remain within its storm's radius. The page indicated that the current wind and rain, which may increase slightly in the next six hours, will likely represent the peak intensity for this typhoon's impact on Taiwan.

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However, central and northern regions are still within the storm's radius. There are a few points to note regarding the rain: northern mountainous areas, central and southern mountainous areas. These two regions are experiencing orographic rainfall due to the typhoon's northwest and north wind circulation, so be aware of the accumulated rainfall.

'Weather Express' further explained that the clouds on the side of Taiwan being impacted by the typhoon appear relatively scattered, and the storm's center is further from land than initially anticipated, leading to less severe conditions than feared. However, they cautioned that mountainous areas in northern and central Taiwan, as well as the north and south, could experience orographic rainfall due to the typhoon's northwest and north wind circulation.

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Regarding the wind: northeastern coastal areas, Hengchun Peninsula. These two regions are experiencing level 13 to 14 gusts due to the typhoon's circulation and terrain interaction. Please be aware. For other areas not mentioned, although there is wind and rain, there is not yet a trend of significant increase. However, we still remind you to pay attention to wind and rain conditions when going out.

Strong gusts of level 13 to 14 are already occurring along the northeastern coast and the Hengchun Peninsula due to the typhoon's circulation interacting with local topography. While other areas may not see a significant increase in wind and rain, all residents are advised to exercise caution when outdoors. The page stressed that the typhoon has not yet passed and urged everyone to prioritize their safety.

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In the next six hours of wind and rain, as the typhoon continues to move northwest, the center will be the 'closest moment to Taiwan.' Therefore, the current wind and rain 'increasing a bit more' will roughly be the maximum wind and rain for this typhoon. The typhoon has not passed yet, even though it has weakened and moved further away. We still remind you to pay attention to your own safety if you go out today.