Typhoon Baitoang Closes In Today! Why Taipei Remains Open Amid Strong Winds and Heavy Rain – Mayor Chiang Responds

Typhoon Baitoang, currently a moderate typhoon, made its closest approach to Taiwan today, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to northern areas. Many netizens flooded Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s Facebook page with comments questioning why work and school suspensions were not announced.

On the morning of the 9th, Mayor Chiang addressed the issue during a disaster response coordination meeting, stating that the typhoon’s impact is primarily due to its outer circulation. Since the Central Weather Administration has not issued a land typhoon warning, the four municipalities of Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan (collectively known as Jibei Beitao) jointly decided that businesses and schools would remain open today.

Public frustration mounted online, with many questioning the absence of a typhoon holiday. In response, Mayor Chiang clarified that because no land warning was issued by the Central Weather Administration, the effects are limited to outer circulation impacts. After discussions among the four cities yesterday, it was collectively decided not to suspend operations or classes.

According to the Central Weather Administration, today marks the period when Typhoon Baitoang is closest to Taiwan. Outer cloud bands have brought heavy rains, and the typhoon is expected to weaken into a mild typhoon during the day. It is projected to pass over northern Taiwan in the afternoon and continue moving westward, after which wind and rain conditions are expected to gradually subside.

The outer circulation of the typhoon has caused significant weather impacts. As of now, Taipei City has recorded approximately 135 reported incidents related to the storm, with the majority already resolved and about 18 still under management. Most incidents involve fallen trees, collapsed signage, and toppled fences. Mayor Chiang urged citizens to complete their typhoon preparedness, stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid mountainous areas and coastal regions unless absolutely necessary.

Why, despite the noticeable wind and rain in northern Taiwan, did the Jibei Beitao region refrain from announcing work and school suspensions? Mayor Chiang emphasized that the Central Weather Administration did not issue a land warning, meaning the impacts are attributed solely to the outer circulation. After consultation among the four cities, the decision was made to maintain normal operations.

When will the wind and rain from Typhoon Baitoang begin to ease in Taipei? According to meteorological forecasts, the typhoon is moving relatively slowly and is expected to pass over northern Taiwan in the afternoon before continuing westward. From that point onward, wind and rain conditions are projected to gradually weaken.