Typhoon Saudel weakens, likely to come closest to Taiwan Friday - Taipei Times

Typhoon Saudel has shown signs of weakening but is still expected to affect Taiwan when it comes closest to the nation on Friday, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said today.The radius of Saudel shrank to about 220km as of 8am today from 250km a day earlier, and its maximum sustained winds were down to 155kph from 184kph previously, the weather agency said.As of 8am, Typhoon Saudel was 980km east of Taipei, moving west-northwest at 18kph, it said.

The projected path of Typhoon Saudel and two tropical depressions are pictured as of 8am today.

Photo courtesy of the Central Weather Administration

Under the influence of a Pacific high pressure system, the storm is moving northward, meaning it is less likely to make landfall in Taiwan, but its outer bands could still bring heavy rain and strong winds to the nation, the CWA said.Saudel is expected to be closest to Taiwan on Friday, though its impact is forecast to be felt from Thursday afternoon, the agency said.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Narra and Tropical Storm Atsani have been downgraded into tropical depressions, with little effect on Taiwan anticipated, the CWA said.As for the weather today, a southwesterly wind system continues to affect Taiwan, the CWA said, adding that high moisture in the air could bring heavy rain.Extremely heavy rain and heavy rain advisories have taken effect in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung County in the south and in mountainous areas in Taitung in the east, the agency said.A heavy rain advisory was also issued for the north coast, Taichung, Chiayi City, and Chiayi, Yunlin, Changhua, Nantou, Yilan, Hualien and Taitung counties, as well as Orchid Island (Lanyu, 蘭嶼) and Green Island (綠島), it said.The heavy rain and extremely heavy rain warnings would remain in effect until tonight, the CWA said.An extremely heavy rain warning indicates accumulated rainfall of more than 200mm in 24 hours or 100mm within three hours, while a heavy rain alert means accumulated rainfall of more than 80mm in 24 hours or 40mm in one hour, according to the CWA.