TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Typhoon Krathon could make landfall in Kaohsiung on Thursday (Oct. 3) afternoon, after which its intensity is expected to weaken.
According to the Central Weather Administration at 6 a.m. Krathon's eye was about 50 km southwest of Kaohsiung heading north-northeast at 8 kph. Its radius has reached areas south of Changhua.
Meteorologist Lin Te-en (林得恩) said Krathon is forecast to make landfall in Kaohsiung around 1 p.m. Thursday. After landfall, Krathon's structure will be disrupted by the Central Mountain Range.
Lin said Krathon will rapidly weaken and could be downgraded to a light typhoon or a tropical depression within 24 hours while over Taiwan.
After landfall, Lin said areas south of Yunlin will experience strong winds and short periods of intense rainfall. Northern coastal areas and outlying islands will also continue to see strong winds.
The east coast will continue to see torrential rain, while the northern coast and Taipei area could see heavy to torrential rain due to moisture from northeast winds.
Meteorologist Daniel Wu (吳德榮) said modeling from various countries shows Krathon will turn west at some point south of Taipei.