TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) forecasted that Typhoon Krathon will make landfall in south Taiwan on Wednesday (Oct. 2). 

According to the latest CWA data, Krathon has maximum sustained winds of 198 kph and gusts of up to 244 kph. The eye of the storm is currently over the waters southwest of Eluanbi, moving slowly north at four kph. 

Its outer periphery has reached the Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung, Taitung, and Kaohsiung. 

On Tuesday, CWA meteorologist Wu Wan-hua (伍婉華) said Krathon had strengthened. Wu said from late Monday night to early Tuesday morning, it has “barely moved,” and its current movement remains slow. 

Wu said the most significant impact on Taiwan is expected from Tuesday until Thursday morning, with the most notable effects on Hualien, Taitung, and the south.

She forecasted Krathon would move north on Tuesday and make landfall on Wednesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, particularly in the southwest. 

There is also a risk of storm surges causing seawater intrusion, said Wu. Residents in coastal low-lying areas from Pingtung to Chiayi are advised to stay vigilant.