Heavy rain expected from tomorrow's tropical storm, as announced by the Climate Prediction Center (CWA)
### Tropical Storm Wipha Threatens Eastern Taiwan with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
A tropical depression currently east of the Philippines is forecast to intensify into Tropical Storm Wipha as early as today, and potentially develop into a typhoon by Thursday. The storm, brewing southeast of Taiwan, poses a significant risk to eastern parts of the country, with heavy rainfall and potential flooding and strong winds expected.
#### Storm Path and Landfall Potential
While there is no confirmation that Tropical Storm Wipha will directly make landfall in Taiwan, its trajectory and usual movement in the region suggest that eastern Taiwan is likely to experience its effects. The storm is currently moving west at 34kph and is expected to pass just south of Taiwan on Saturday.
#### Heavy Rainfall Warning
Heavy rainfall is a major concern for eastern Taiwan as Tropical Storm Wipha develops and approaches. Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong predicts a high potential for heavy rainfall in eastern Taiwan and southern Pingtung as the storm passes through the Bashi Channel over the weekend.
#### Expected Timeline
- **Today–Thursday**: The storm is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Wipha, with possible further intensification. - **Through the weekend**: The system could move closer to eastern Taiwan, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds. - **Saturday**: The storm is expected to come closest to Taiwan. - **Sunday**: The storm is expected to gradually move away from Taiwan.
#### Recommendations
Residents and travelers in eastern Taiwan are advised to closely monitor official weather bulletins for the latest updates on Tropical Storm Wipha. Preparations should include securing loose outdoor items, checking flood risk areas, and heeding any evacuation advisories. Authorities may also conduct public safety drills, as seen with recent urban resilience exercises in northern Taiwan.
#### Summary Table
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Storm Name | Tropical Storm Wipha (potential to become Typhoon Wipha) | | Location | Brewing southeast of Taiwan, east of the Philippines | | Forecasted Impact | Heavy rainfall, possible flooding, strong winds in eastern Taiwan | | Timeline | Expected to develop today–Thursday; impacts possible over the weekend | | Official Updates | Taiwan Central Weather Administration to provide ongoing advisories |
**Note:** The information above is based on the latest available updates as of July 17, 2025, and the situation may evolve rapidly as the storm approaches. Always refer to local meteorological authorities for real-time alerts and instructions. If the storm system's path shifts slightly north or the storm grows in size, a sea warning could still be issued for Taiwan. No specific date is provided for when the storm is expected to reach Guangdong Province or Hainan Province in China. As of the current report, no sea warning has been issued for Taiwan. The storm was packing sustained winds of 54kph and gusts of up to 83kph, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).
- Given the forecast, weather-forecasting indicates that Tropical Storm Wipha, potentially intensifying into a typhoon by Thursday, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and strong winds to eastern Taiwan over the weekend.
- The weather-forecasting experts, including independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong, warned of a high potential for heavy rainfall in eastern Taiwan and southern Pingtung as the storm passes through the Bashi Channel over the weekend.
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