Strong tropical disturbance predicted to intensify, potentially posing threat in the near future
**Tropical Storm Danas Threatens Taiwan, Potential Disruptions to Han Kuang Military Exercise**
Taiwan is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Danas, which is expected to pass closest to the island between Sunday and Monday morning. The storm, which has developed a more organized structure, is currently located approximately 410 kilometers west-southwest of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost tip, and is moving north-northeast at about 8 kilometers per hour.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued a sea warning due to the storm's potential impact on maritime activities, and ferry operators in Taitung have announced the suspension of all trips to Green Island and Orchid Island tomorrow.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated, particularly in southern and southeastern mountainous areas. Other regions may experience localized downpours and thunderstorms. Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu warns that the threat to Taiwan should not be underestimated and expects the storm's most severe impact between tomorrow and early Monday.
The 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise is scheduled to start on Wednesday, potentially coinciding with the aftermath of the storm or any lingering weather conditions. If two or more zones across Taiwan, including its outlying islands, are affected, the Han Kuang exercises would be called off and rescheduled or incorporated into subsequent immediate readiness training or combat preparedness exercises.
The path of the system remains uncertain, and conditions should be closely monitored. According to CWA forecaster Lee Meng-hsuan, the storm is moving slowly east-northeast toward the Taiwan Strait.
In response to the potential impact of the storm, the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office has announced the suspension of operations from today until Tuesday, with reopening dates to be determined based on the storm's impact. Major General Tung Chi-hsing stated that if two administrative regions within a simulated "combat" zone for the exercises are affected by the storm, drills in the zone would be suspended to prioritize disaster relief.
Tropical Storm Danas poses a significant threat to Taiwan, particularly in terms of heavy rainfall and potential disruptions to maritime activities. The impact on the Han Kuang military exercise remains uncertain and will depend on the storm's final path and intensity.
- Environmental scientists might monitor the aftermath of Tropical Storm Danas closely to assess its impact on Taiwan's ecosystem, considering its potential for heavy rainfall.
- The weather patterns caused by Tropical Storm Danas could influence the outcomes of the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise, given the storm's anticipated impact on various regions of Taiwan.
