Taiwan Central Weather Bureau announced that Typhoon Kong-Rey is rapidly approaching, with the island of Orchid Island experiencing an average wind speed of 17 levels, reaching 59.1 meters per second, breaking all historical records at any artificial measuring station.
At 11:30 a.m. this morning, the Central Weather Bureau issued typhoon warnings for both sea and land areas as Typhoon Kong-Rey’s center was located at 22.4 degrees latitude north and 121.7 degrees longitude east. The typhoon was approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Taitung, moving at a speed of 21 kilometers per hour in a north-northwest to north-northeast direction.
According to the latest data, the center of Typhoon Kong-Rey is currently in the seas southeast of Taitung, moving in a north-northwest to north-northeast direction, with its wind circle covering Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, posing a threat to various areas in Taiwan and the outlying islands as the wind and rain intensify.
In anticipation of Typhoon Kong-Rey’s impact, Taiwan has declared a day off across the entire island. Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Far Eastern Sogo, and MITSUI OUTLET PARK have suspended operations for the day.
Meteorologist Zhu Meilin of the Central Weather Bureau mentioned in a press conference on Typhoon Kong-Rey that due to the typhoon’s impact, Lanyu and Green Island have experienced strong gusts of wind of level 15 to 17. Lanyu recorded an average wind speed of level 17, reaching 59.1 meters per second, setting a new record for all artificial measuring stations. The Meteorological Bureau continues to issue strong wind special reports, urging everyone to be vigilant.
Since early this morning, Lanyu Weather Station has been recording gusts of level 17 winds with gusts exceeding this level around 5 a.m., leading to the malfunction of the anemometer, rendering observation impossible at the moment.
At 9:15 a.m. this morning, the Central Weather Bureau issued a strong wind alert for land areas, effective from this morning until the morning of November 1. The affected areas include Keelung, the northern coast, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Lanyu and Green Island, Penghu County, Kinmen, and Matsu areas.
Due to the impact of Typhoon Kong-Rey, Lanyu and Green Island have experienced gusts of level 14 winds and above. Today, Taitung, Hualien, and Penghu will also see strong gusts of level 14 and above. From New Taipei to Kaohsiung, Yilan, and the coastal areas of Pingtung, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Matsu, gusts of level 11 and above are expected, with Keelung, Taipei, Nantou, Chiayi City, and Kinmen experiencing gusts of levels 9 to 10. There are also significant waves in the adjacent waters, so please exercise caution.