Typhoon Bavi's Wind Field Estimated to Cover Half of Taiwan; Sea and Land Alerts to Be Issued on the 9th

(Central News Agency, Taipei, August 8) The Central Weather Administration stated that Typhoon Bavi is "strong and large," with a storm radius of 380 kilometers, making it the typhoon with the largest storm radius since the implementation of the new typhoon intensity system. Sea and land typhoon alerts are expected to be issued consecutively tomorrow. The storm field is estimated to cover half of Taiwan, with the 10th and 11th being the most significant impact periods.

According to the Central Weather Administration's typhoon information, as of 2 PM today, Typhoon Bavi's central pressure was 895 hectopascals. Its center was located approximately 1380 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi, moving northwest-west at a speed of 21 to 17 kilometers per hour. The maximum wind speed near the center was 60 meters per second, with a 7-level wind storm radius of 380 kilometers and a 10-level wind storm radius of 180 kilometers.

According to statistics from the Central Weather Administration, the typhoon with the largest 7-level wind storm radius on record in the Northwest Pacific was Typhoon Lynn in 1987, which reached 400 kilometers. Since the implementation of the new typhoon intensity system (the current system) in 1991, Typhoon Bavi's storm radius of 380 kilometers is the largest.

The previous typhoon with a storm radius of 350 kilometers was Typhoon Sinlaku in April of this year, but it did not affect Taiwan. Wu Sheng-yu, a senior consultant at WeatherRisk, stated that the last typhoon with a 7-level storm radius of 350 kilometers for which an alert was issued dates back to Typhoon Utor in 2001.

Forecaster Huang En-hung told CNA reporters that Bavi will gradually approach Taiwan tomorrow, but it will gradually weaken during its movement. It is estimated that when it moves towards the main island of Taiwan, its radius will still be around 350 kilometers. When the storm field makes landfall, it is predicted to still be about 300 kilometers in size, equivalent to covering half of Taiwan.

Huang En-hung further explained that if Bavi's intensity and path are as expected, a sea typhoon alert will be issued from noon to afternoon tomorrow, and a land alert will be issued as early as late tomorrow night. It is predicted that the storm field will make contact with the main island's landmass on the evening of the 10th. The 10th and 11th will be the most significant impact periods, with the heaviest rainfall expected from the evening of the 10th to the 11th. The typhoon alert may not be lifted until the 12th.

Huang En-hung pointed out that tomorrow, the weather across the island will mainly be cloudy to sunny. High temperatures of over 36 degrees Celsius are expected in Greater Taipei, areas south of Changhua, and Hualien during the day. Starting tomorrow evening, as Bavi approaches, sporadic brief showers are expected in areas north of Taoyuan and Yilan.

Huang En-hung said that on the 10th and 11th, affected by Bavi and its outer circulation, winds and rain will gradually increase across the island on the 10th, with rainfall becoming more intense later in the evening. Local heavy rain or torrential rain is likely in northern Taiwan and Yilan. From the evening of the 10th to the 11th, rainfall will be most significant, with localized torrential and heavy rain expected across Taiwan. In particular, mountainous areas north of Taichung may experience rainfall of torrential rain levels or higher.

Huang En-hung mentioned that on the 12th, the typhoon will move away, but there will still be plenty of moisture. Brief thunderstorms are expected in western and southeastern Taiwan. On the 13th and 14th, the Pacific high-pressure system will extend westward, and the wind direction will shift to southeast, bringing stable weather mainly characterized by afternoon thunderstorms. Localized heavier rainfall should still be monitored in mountainous areas.

Huang En-hung emphasized that based on current path predictions, it is not yet conclusive whether Bavi will be a typical Northwest Pacific typhoon. However, due to Bavi being a strong and large typhoon, the impact of strong winds and heavy rainfall must be closely monitored.

Huang En-hung reminded that from tomorrow to the 12th, long waves are expected along the Keelung North Coast, the eastern coast (including Green Island and Orchid Island), the Hengchun Peninsula, and Matsu. On the 10th, Föhn wind is expected in the East Rift Valley and Kinmen. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150708

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