Typhoon Julian, also known internationally as Krathon, has weakened slightly from its earlier status as a super typhoon as it approaches Taiwan from the south. Despite this slight decrease in intensity, the storm remains highly dangerous, with significant winds and rainfall expected to impact Taiwan, particularly the island’s southern regions. This will be the first time since 1988 that a typhoon of this magnitude is making landfall in southwest Taiwan.
As meteorologist Robert Speta reports, Typhoon Julian has slowed down as it approaches Taiwan, delaying the worst of the storm until early Thursday morning. The storm is expected to bring messy conditions across much of the island, with the heaviest impact predicted in southern and central Taiwan. The mountains of Taiwan, which rise as high as 3,000 meters, will play a significant role in shaping the storm’s path and impact, as they typically disrupt and weaken typhoons. Still, the forecast indicates that even northern Taiwan, including the capital, Taipei, could experience typhoon-force winds and heavy rains.
Impact on Taiwan
Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Kaohsiung, a major city on Taiwan’s southwest coast. The storm will bring not only strong winds but also torrential rain. Meteorologists are warning that some areas of Taiwan could see up to a meter of rainfall. These heavy rains are a particular concern in mountainous areas, where flooding and landslides are possible. Given the geography of Taiwan, with its tall mountains and dense population centers near the coast, the effects of the typhoon could be widespread and severe.
Schools and businesses in the affected regions have already been closed, and thousands of people have been evacuated from areas most likely to be impacted. Authorities in Taiwan are well-prepared for typhoons, given the frequency with which the island experiences them, but the unusual track of this storm — making landfall on the southwest coast — presents unique challenges. In most cases, typhoons strike the island’s east coast, meaning that the southwest is less accustomed to such direct impacts.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Concerns
Residents of Taiwan’s larger cities, especially those living in high-rise buildings, should be prepared for potential power outages as the storm moves through. Strong winds could knock out power lines, leading to widespread blackouts. In tall buildings, there’s also the risk of elevators becoming stuck if the power goes out, so residents are being advised to stay off elevators as the storm approaches.
Additionally, there is concern about damage to infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas where storm surges could add to the risk of flooding. The combination of strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges could lead to significant damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions and stay indoors during the height of the storm.
Storm Chasers and the Core of the Winds
For storm chasers and weather enthusiasts, the southwestern coast of Taiwan near Kaohsiung is the place to be, as that’s where the core of Typhoon Julian’s strongest winds is expected to hit. However, as Speta points out, the mountains of Taiwan will play a crucial role in weakening the storm. Once Julian makes landfall, the mountains will begin to disrupt its structure, potentially weakening the core of the storm and reducing its intensity as it moves across the island. Still, even areas on the east coast of Taiwan, such as Taitung, could see significant winds as the storm wraps around the island’s mountainous terrain.
Radar imagery shows how the mountains are already affecting the storm, with rain bands wrapping around the island. While a direct hit from the storm’s core would be devastating, the uneven terrain of Taiwan may cause the storm to split or weaken in certain areas. However, this does not mean that the rest of the island is safe. Even if the storm weakens, the entire island is likely to experience at least tropical storm-strength winds, and many areas could still see full typhoon conditions.
Weakened but Still Dangerous
While Typhoon Julian is no longer classified as a super typhoon, it remains a highly potent storm. The slight weakening is attributed to drier air inflow and interaction with the mountainous terrain of Taiwan. However, even with this weakening, the storm is still packing a punch, and residents are being urged not to underestimate its potential for damage.
As the storm continues to move northward, meteorologists expect it to eventually weaken to a tropical storm. By the time it exits Taiwan and moves further north, it is predicted to be significantly less intense. However, before that happens, Julian will likely drop several hundred millimeters of rain, particularly on the southern coast and in the mountains. Some regions could see more than 500 millimeters of rain, which raises serious concerns about flooding and landslides.
Effects on the Philippines
While Taiwan is currently the primary focus of Typhoon Julian, the storm has already impacted the Philippines, particularly in the northern regions of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan. These areas have experienced heavy rain and strong winds, although conditions are expected to improve in the coming days. As the storm moves away from the Philippines, residents in northern Luzon can expect calmer weather, with only isolated showers and typical tropical conditions.
For most of the Philippines, including major cities like Manila, the worst of the storm has passed, and the country is beginning to return to normal. However, residents in northern areas should remain vigilant, as localized flooding and landslides are still possible, particularly in mountainous regions.
Looking Ahead: A Transition to Cooler Weather?
As Typhoon Julian moves northward and eventually weakens, meteorologists are watching for signs of a seasonal shift in the weather. The storm’s movement is expected to bring in cooler, drier air behind it, which could signal the beginning of the northeast monsoon, known locally as the “amihan.” This seasonal shift typically brings cooler temperatures and drier weather to the region, a welcome relief after the hot and humid conditions of the summer.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Informed
Typhoon Julian may have weakened slightly, but it remains a dangerous storm, particularly for the southern and central regions of Taiwan. Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions, including staying indoors, avoiding coastal areas, and preparing for potential power outages and flooding. The storm’s unusual path, making landfall on the southwest coast, presents unique challenges, but Taiwan’s authorities are well-prepared and have already taken steps to mitigate the impact.
For those in the Philippines, the worst of the storm has passed, but residents in northern areas should still be cautious as rain and localized flooding continue.
As always, the most important thing is to stay safe and informed. Keep an eye on local weather updates, follow the advice of authorities, and take all necessary precautions as Typhoon Julian continues its path.