Breaking News: Typhoon Baito Hits Taiwan! 2 Counties Meet Work/School Suspension Criteria on Aug 10; Heavy Rain Alerts for 12 Regions Including Taipei

Typhoon Baito is currently passing over the northern waters of Taiwan, bringing significant wind and rain to areas north of central Taiwan. According to the latest forecast released by the Central Weather Administration at 10:00 a.m. today (August 9), wind speeds in two counties will reach the criteria for suspending work and classes by early tomorrow morning (August 10). However, the final decision on whether to suspend operations and schooling will be made by each county or city government based on actual weather conditions and potential disasters.

Work and School Suspension Due to Typhoon Baito on August 10: List of Areas Meeting Wind Criteria

According to the latest wind forecast data released by the Central Weather Administration at 10:00 a.m., the areas expected to meet the wind thresholds defined in the 'Regulations on Suspension of Work and School During Natural Disasters' by early tomorrow morning are:

· Lienchiang County · Lanyu (Orchid Island) and Green Island

24-hour accumulated rainfall forecast. (Image: Central Weather Administration)

Typhoon Baito Makes Sudden Turn: CWA Issues Heavy Rain Alerts for 12 Counties and Cities on August 9

Severe downpours expected in mountainous areas of Taipei, Hsinchu, and Miaoli

Affected by Typhoon Baito and its outer circulation, short-duration heavy rainfall is likely across Taiwan. The Central Weather Administration issued heavy and torrential rain warnings today (August 9) for 12 counties and cities. Mountainous areas of Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Miaoli County have been placed under 'extremely heavy rainfall' alerts, requiring heightened public vigilance.

Rainfall Warning Levels Upgraded: Areas Under Torrential and Heavy Rain Alerts

The CWA warns that due to successive typhoon circulation systems moving in, rainfall will be significant today in central and northern Taiwan and mountainous regions. Rainfall alert levels by region are as follows:

· Extremely Heavy Rainfall Alert Areas: Mountainous areas of Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Miaoli County (watch for localized torrential or extremely heavy rain)

· Heavy Rainfall Alert Areas: Northern coast of Keelung, mountainous areas of New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Taichung City (watch for localized heavy or torrential rain)

· Heavy Rain Alert Areas: Flatlands of Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Nantou County, Yilan County, mountainous areas of Yunlin County, and mountainous areas of Chiayi County

The CWA urges caution against lightning and strong gusts, warns mountainous areas to guard against landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, and sudden river surges, and advises low-lying areas to prepare for flooding.

The Central Weather Administration issued heavy and rain warnings for 12 counties and cities on August 9. (Image: CWA)

Typhoon track potential forecast. (Image: CWA)

Explanation of Work and School Suspension Criteria

According to the 'Regulations on Suspension of Work and School During Natural Disasters,' the criteria are as follows:

1. If meteorological forecasts indicate that the typhoon's storm radius may pass through a region within 4 hours, with average wind speeds reaching or exceeding level 7, or gusts reaching or exceeding level 10.

2. If meteorological forecasts or actual observations show rainfall reaching 350 mm in plains or 200 mm in mountainous areas, and disasters have occurred or are likely to occur.

3. In areas where wind or rain levels do not meet the above criteria, but terrain or rainfall impacts have caused or may cause disruptions to transportation, water, or electricity supply, affecting safety of travel, work, or school, or posing disaster risks.