The Taiwan weather bureau reported that Typhoon Podul is approaching Taiwan and is expected to make landfall near Taitung around midday today (Aug. 13). Heavy rain and strong winds are already affecting the Hualien-Taitung region and the Hengchun Peninsula, with severe weather conditions expected to spread to areas south of Chiayi from noon onward.
As of early morning, Podul's storm circle was impacting Lanyu (Orchid Island), where significant wind and rain have been reported.
In response to the storm, Hualien, Taitung, Penghu, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung counties have announced school and work closures for today. Lots of flights in Taiwan have been canceled, and cross-strait ferry services on four routes have been suspended.
Additionally, some department stores in Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung have ceased operations for the day. Train services on the Hualien-Taitung and South-Link lines will also be suspended before 6:00 p.m. Portions of the Southern Cross-Island Highway have been preemptively closed as a precaution and will reopen only after safety checks following the storm.
(Video source: Treads)
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