Typhoon Bavi: 5 Counties Announce Work and School Suspension; Updated Path, Criteria, and Rainfall Forecast

★★★★★★ Typhoon MAX Alert ★★★★★★

【Latest Work and School Suspension Announcements Across Taiwan】

Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan, bringing increasingly strong winds and rain. On September 15, 2023 (Friday), five counties and cities in Taiwan have officially announced work and school suspensions for the following day. The affected areas are Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, Yilan County, and Hualien County. In these regions, all business operations and school activities will be suspended on September 16 (Saturday).

【Typhoon Path and Impact】

As of 6:00 PM on September 15, Typhoon Bavi was located approximately 300 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan, moving northwest at 18 km/h. The central pressure is 975 hPa, with maximum sustained winds of 35 m/s (126 km/h) and a radius of gale-force winds extending 150 km, maintaining a very strong intensity. The Central Weather Bureau forecasts the typhoon to make its closest approach to Taiwan on the morning of the 16th, bringing severe winds and heavy rain, especially to northern and eastern regions.

【Criteria for Work and School Suspension】

In Taiwan, decisions on work and school suspensions during typhoons are made independently by local governments based on forecasts from the Central Weather Bureau. Key criteria include:

- The typhoon center is expected to approach within 48 hours - Sustained wind speeds of 14 m/s (Beaufort Scale 7) or higher are forecasted - Gale-force winds are expected to affect major urban areas - High risk of landslides or flooding

Each county’s education and labor departments must announce their decisions by 4:00 PM, ensuring timely public notification.

【Peak Wind and Rain Timing】

According to forecasts, the most dangerous period for northern and eastern Taiwan will be from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the 16th. In the Taipei Basin area, gusts may reach up to 45 m/s (162 km/h), making outdoor activities extremely hazardous. In Yilan and Hualien, over 300 mm of rainfall is expected within 12 hours, increasing the risk of river flooding and landslides.

【Transportation Impacts】

Due to the typhoon, parts of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) are suspended, all local Taiwan Railways (TRA) services are halted, and while the Taipei Metro continues normal operations, speed reductions or suspensions may occur if wind speeds exceed safety thresholds. Numerous domestic and international flights have been canceled, causing disruptions at Taoyuan International Airport and Songshan Airport.

【Business Response Guidelines】

The Executive Yuan urges businesses to prioritize employee safety by implementing remote work, flexible hours, and emergency communication systems. Companies with disaster response plans may continue operations through remote management or shift work.

【Future Outlook】

Typhoon Bavi is expected to pass Taiwan by the evening of the 16th, move into the East China Sea on the 17th, and make landfall in southern Korea. Impacts in Taiwan will continue until early morning on the 17th, so residents should monitor updates and prioritize safety.

【Summary】

Currently, five counties have announced suspensions. Additional announcements are possible. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel. Businesses should consider activating their BCP (Business Continuity Plan).