Weather: Will Typhoon White Dolphin Trigger Work and School Closures? Latest Storm Impact Probabilities Released – Northern Taiwan Shows Highest Risk

Typhoon No. 13, White Dolphin (a moderate typhoon), continues moving northwestward, drawing public attention to whether work and school closures will be declared. According to the Central Weather Administration's 120-hour probability forecast for typhoon-force wind zones, five counties and cities in northern Taiwan have a greater than 30% chance of being affected. However, the decision to suspend operations or classes does not rest with the weather bureau but will be determined independently by each county or city government based on rainfall and wind forecasts and actual conditions.

When will Typhoon White Dolphin come closest to Taiwan? It is expected to gradually approach between August 7 and 9, with the most significant impacts occurring on August 8 (Father’s Day) and August 9 (weekend). The Central Weather Administration may issue a sea typhoon alert as early as the afternoon of August 7. As of the latest observation data on August 3, Typhoon White Dolphin is moving at 25 km/h, with a 320-km radius of gale-force winds (Beaufort scale 7).

If the typhoon shifts westward in its path, it will have a greater impact on Taiwan; if it turns north earlier toward Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands, the impact will be relatively reduced.

How high is the probability of storm-force winds hitting each county? Keelung City has the highest probability at 34%, according to data released by the Central Weather Administration on August 3. This is followed by Taipei City at 32%, New Taipei City at 31%, and both Taoyuan City and Yilan County at 30%. Other areas include Lienchiang County at 28%, Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City both at 27%, Miaoli County at 24%, Hualien County at 22%, Taichung City at 19%, and most remaining regions below 20%.

What are the criteria for declaring a typhoon day? The 'Natural Disaster Work and Class Suspension Guidelines' stipulate that a suspension is warranted when a region within the typhoon’s wind radius may be affected within four hours, with average wind speeds reaching Beaufort 7 or higher, or gusts exceeding Beaufort 10. Additionally, if cumulative rainfall over the next 24 hours is predicted to reach 200 mm in mountainous areas or 350 mm in flatlands (with slight variations across counties), and there is existing or imminent disaster risk, this also qualifies for suspension.

However, the final decision on closures does not come from the weather bureau but is announced independently by local governments based on actual weather conditions.