Taiwan Typhoon Weather Watch

A typhoon is a type of tropical storm that forms from a low pressure zone. Taiwan typhoons are powerful, rotating systems that forms over warm ocean waters, usually over eastern Philippines or Western Pacific areas.

Over a few days, the storm will intensify significantly in power, size and potency. Most typhoons that form near Taiwan affect the weather significantly before, during and afterwards, even though most do not make landfall.

Sea warnings are typically announced first, followed by coastal warnings, then finally general weather warnings. At all stages of a typhoon, there is a risk to life and limb. So pay heed to the weather warnings and predictions and be aware that predictions may be inaccurate. Personal safety trumps all.

So what is a typhoon? Why is a Taiwan typhoon dangerous?

Here’s what defines a typhoon:

🌏 Geographic Definition

• A typhoon specifically refers to a tropical cyclone that forms in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, between 100°E and 180° longitude Wikipedia.
• The same kind of storm is called a hurricane in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, and a cyclone in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean NOAA’s National Ocean Service.

🌪️ Characteristics

• Sustained winds of at least 119 km/h (74 mph) are required for a storm to be classified as a typhoon Wikipedia.
• Typhoons often bring intense winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and can cause widespread flooding and damage.
• Though they can form all year round in tropical areas; for Taiwan, the period from June to as late as November is the most likely time to experience a typhoon, with a peak in July & August.
• Typhoons paths are difficult to predict accurately, so most weather agencies issue a cone of certainty. However, even they can get it wrong as the storm can speed up, slow down, change direction and fragment or intensify at any given point.
• The intense winds cause extensive damage to structures in both urban and rural environments, while the excessive rainfall causes flooding and landslides. Parts of Taiwan experience regular typhoons with flooding, structural damage, roads flooded and washed away, and extensive landslides.
• The winds, floods and storm surge by themselves are hazardous for humans and animals; but when they combine, the dangers escalate significantly. Typhoons are a danger to life: don’t mess with them.

🌀 Formation

• They develop from clusters of thunderstorms over warm tropical waters.
• As the system organizes and strengthens, it begins to rotate due to the Coriolis effect, forming a low-pressure center with spiraling bands of clouds and rain.

📍 Regional Impact

• Typhoons and tropical storms affect countries like Korea, Japan, the Philippines, China, and of course, Taiwan. So the naming and tracking of typhoons are coordinated by meteorological centers in Japan, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.

Plan ahead, stay safe

During an approaching typhoon, consider carefully whether you should be heading into the mountains whether or not the place you are heading is in the direct path of the storm. If you are going to be out of touch for more than a few days, exercise caution and be prepared to cut your trip short.

Similarly, if you’re heading out to sea… keep a close watch on the storm and plan your journey for safety. Don’t take chances with storms in the area as help may be difficult or slow to reach you.

Don’t attempt to brave it out… as rescue will be difficult, dangerous and perhaps even deadly if you get into trouble.

🌀 Stay Ahead of the Storm: Trusted Typhoon Resources for Taiwan and Beyond

Taiwan’s typhoon season demands vigilance, especially for retirees, expats, and families navigating daily life across the island. Whether you’re planning travel, securing your home, or simply staying informed, these trusted resources offer real-time updates, expert forecasts, and multilingual support:

Taiwan Links

🌧️ Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署)

Taiwan’s official meteorological agency provides localized typhoon alerts, rainfall maps, and hourly updates.
🔗 https://www.cwa.gov.tw

A direct link to Taiwan’s typhoon warning dashboard, with animated storm tracks and precipitation forecasts:
🔗 https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/P/Typhoon/TY_WARN.html

JMA’s site provides detailed typhoon tracking, pressure charts, and historical data.
🔗 https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

🇰🇷 Korea Meteorological Administration: Typhoon Portal

KMA’s dashboard includes storm paths, wind radius estimates, and regional impact forecasts.
🔗 https://www.weather.go.kr/w/typhoon/ko/weather/typhoon_02.jsp

🇵🇭 PAGASA: Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

PAGASA offers storm bulletins, rainfall advisories, and flood warnings tailored to the Philippines.
🔗 https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

World Resources

🌬️ Windy: Interactive Wind & Weather Maps

Windy.com offers dynamic, zoomable maps showing wind speed, pressure systems, and storm trajectories.
🔗 https://www.windy.com

🌍 Zoom Earth: Live Satellite & Storm Tracker

Zoom Earth offers real-time satellite imagery, wind maps, and storm tracking with global model data from NOAA and DWD. It’s highly visual and great for monitoring typhoons as they form and move. 🔗 https://zoom.earth

Tip: Bookmark these sites and check them regularly during typhoon season. For added safety, follow local government alerts and prepare emergency kits just in case. You may find more help here about how to deal with emergencies.