Typhoon Bavi Approaches! Largest Wind Radius in Nearly 30 Years – Here’s Your Evacuation Checklist

Typhoon Bavi is advancing toward the northern coast of Taiwan on Friday (10th), with its 7-level gale radius reaching 380 kilometers—the largest in nearly 30 years. Experts warn that the northeast cape and northern coastline, being close to the typhoon's eyewall, must prepare for 'devastating' strong winds.

The entire island is on high alert, with 10 counties and cities announcing full-day work and school suspensions on Friday. In parts of Hualien, preemptive evacuations have already begun due to concerns over landslide-dammed lakes. The Central Weather Administration predicts that the most significant impact from Bavi will occur from Friday evening through Saturday (11th) all day.

The Taipei Fire Department advises residents to 'prepare at least three days' worth of dry food and drinking water.' Many supermarkets are seeing surges in demand for typhoon preparedness supplies, and residents in low-lying areas are proactively preparing sandbags.

Largest Gale Radius in 30 Years

The Central Weather Administration issued sea and land typhoon warnings at 5:30 AM on Friday, indicating that the 7-level gale zone could hit Taiwan within 18 hours.

According to the projected path, Bavi is expected to pass through the waters north of Taiwan. Lin Bo-dong, a forecaster at the Central Weather Administration, emphasized that the Keelung and northern coastal areas are closer to the typhoon's center, where winds will be extremely fierce.

He added that due to interaction with Taiwan's landmass, the typhoon's path still carries some uncertainty: 'There is still a chance it could move slightly closer to Taiwan, especially since its circulation is quite large.' Lin noted that Bavi's 7-level gale radius averages 380 kilometers, the largest in 30 years, though its intensity and wind radius have slightly weakened and contracted as it approaches Taiwan.

Weather broadcaster Hsieh Pei-yun warned that while Friday morning might still have relatively stable weather, rain and wind will intensify in the afternoon. The period from Friday evening through all of Saturday will see the strongest impact from Bavi. Open coastal areas and outlying islands may experience gusts up to level 11, while areas north of Taoyuan, Yilan, Matsu, Lanyu, and Green Island could face level 12 gusts (approximately 118–133 km/h).

Keelung and Northern Coastline Hit Hardest

Facing the powerful approach of Bavi, the Keelung Weather Station stated that the Keelung and northern coastal areas will be directly hit, falling within the 10-level gale radius of Bavi's core, with potential gusts exceeding level 12. Strong winds, torrential rains, high waves, and storm surges are expected, urging citizens to remain highly vigilant.

Wu De-rong, an adjunct professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University, pointed out that Pengjia Islet, the northeast cape, and the northern coast, being close to the typhoon's eyewall, must watch for 'devastating' strong winds.

Other counties are accelerating typhoon preparations. The Taipei City Government inspected flood-prone areas such as Nangang and Neihu. The landmark Danshui River Bridge in New Taipei City will reduce speed limits or close entirely as per regulations. In Hualien, preemptive evacuations of 155 households (319 people) have been initiated due to landslide-dammed lakes in the Wanli and Mataan Rivers.

Sandbags in Short Supply

According to Taiwanese media reports, residents and businesses in flood-prone areas like Neihu, Taipei, began stacking sandbags early in the morning. Local offices have provided hundreds of sandbags for three consecutive days, yet demand still exceeds supply, requiring emergency resupply. Wu Hsin-tai, a city council candidate from Taiwan Statebuilding Party in the area, lamented, 'People are truly afraid of flooding!'

Starting Thursday evening (9th), major shopping centers saw crowds rushing to buy typhoon supplies. Some residents reported that fresh vegetables were almost entirely sold out, leaving only carrots untouched. On instant noodle shelves, certain varieties have already been depleted.

The Taipei Fire Department recommends that residents 'prepare at least three days' worth of dry food and drinking water' and keep emergency evacuation kits at home. They also advise checking flashlights, power banks, and other lighting and communication devices to stay informed during power outages.