Image Credit: Taiwan News
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued an advisory for extremely heavy rainfall across southern parts of the country, effective from 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, 21 September. The warning affects Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung County, with the advisory expected to remain in place throughout the evening, according to reports from the Central News Agency (CNA).
Officials at the CWA explained that the downpour is driven by a low-pressure system that could lead to intense, short bursts of rain across the region. Northern parts of Taiwan, including Hsinchu, Nantou, Taichung, Chiayi, as well as the mountainous regions of Hualien, may also see bouts of localised heavy rainfall, the administration noted.
The CWA has urged the public to remain cautious about potential hazards associated with the extreme weather. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert for possible flooding, while those in mountainous regions should be wary of landslides, falling rocks, and mudslides. Lightning strikes and strong gusts of wind also pose risks during this period.
While explaining the severity of the situation, the CWA clarified that “extremely heavy rain” refers to accumulated rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres within 24 hours, while “heavy rain” is classified as more than 80 millimetres in the same timeframe.
Local authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and may implement additional safety measures if the rainfall persists. As the low-pressure system continues to affect the weather, the administration has urged the public to remain informed and take necessary precautions against adverse conditions.