Typhoon Wipha Path Uncertain Near Taiwan, Forecasters Warn of Potential Loop

Typhoon Wipha's trajectory remains uncertain, prompting warnings from meteorologists about potential shifts as it approaches Taiwan. Zheng Ming-dian, former director of Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, cautioned that the typhoon's path could deviate, potentially moving southward or even executing a loop near the island.

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When the typhoon's outer circulation is very large, if following the current official forecast path, the typhoon's large outer circulation will approach Taiwan's north, and due to Taiwan's terrain, the path may still change.

Zheng explained on Facebook that when a typhoon's outer circulation is extensive, its path can be influenced by Taiwan's terrain. As the large outer bands approach the northern part of the island, the Central Mountain Range can obstruct airflow, creating a low-pressure area on the leeward side near Taitung.

This interaction with the topography could cause the typhoon's center to move closer to Taiwan. In some scenarios, the typhoon might even exhibit a "looping" phenomenon, circling back or changing direction unpredictably. Such a loop could bring the typhoon's eyewall, with its associated strong winds and torrential rain, directly towards areas like Yilan and parts of Hualien, which are typically on the leeward side.

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This effect will cause the typhoon center to move further towards Taiwan when approaching Taiwan's terrain, and the typhoon center may also move southward when approaching Taiwan, or even exhibit a 'looping' phenomenon.

The potential for such a shift underscores the dynamic nature of typhoon forecasting and the significant impact geographical features can have on weather systems. Residents in potentially affected areas are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and prepare for possible severe weather conditions.

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If the typhoon exhibits a looping phenomenon, Yilan, which was originally on the leeward side, or parts of Hualien, may be affected by the strong winds and sudden downpours brought by the typhoon's eyewall.