Typhoon Dolphin Nears Taiwan, Bringing Heavy Rain Risk

Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to make its closest approach to Taiwan today, bringing the potential for torrential downpours, particularly in the mountainous regions of Hsinchu and Miaoli. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) warned that these areas could receive between 350mm and 500mm of rain within a single day, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods.

While the likelihood of a land warning for Taiwan proper has diminished, a sea warning remains active. Forecasters observed waves exceeding 5 meters off Taiwan's northern and eastern coasts, with the potential to reach over 6 meters. If the typhoon's track and intensity align with predictions, all typhoon warnings could be lifted by noon today. As of yesterday evening, Dolphin was situated northeast of Taipei, moving west-northwest with sustained winds of 126 kph.

The typhoon is expected to weaken as it passes north of Taiwan but is likely to maintain moderate typhoon strength until it reaches China. Outer bands of Dolphin are anticipated to bring heavy rain to northern and central Taiwan from last night through today. Strong wind warnings have been issued for coastal areas and several counties, including Yilan, Taitung, Pingtung, and Lienchiang.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Dolphin has already impacted other regions. In Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, six people sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and over 50,000 buildings lost power. China has responded by closing ports and halting ferries ahead of the storm's expected landfall on its east coast, where it has been classified as an orange-category typhoon, the second-highest alert level.