The government is warning about approaching Tropical Storm Fung-Wong – which is slowly making its way toward southern Taiwan. Although the storm has not yet been designated as a typhoon, there is concern about its unusual path, which meteorologists say could affect the populous western half of the island, which is usually sheltered from inclement weather.
The Central Weather Bureau says the storm is picking up speed, moving northward at a pace of up to 20 km per hour. Authorities on Friday night issued a land warning for the storm, urging residents in southern Taiwan, eastern Taiwan and the outlying islands of Penghu to be on the alert for strong winds and torrential rain. Fung-wong is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan on Saturday night.
Because of the storm’s unusual trajectory, approaching Taiwan from the south, meteorologists say that its path could cover the entirety of the island.