Typhoon Champi, with winds over 300 km/h, has weakened but still threatens Taiwan with evacuations, flight cancellations, and heavy rain.
Typhoon Champi’s structure and strength
Typhoon Champi, currently impacting Taiwan, has developed a nearly circular shape visible from space. At its strongest on October 21, it had wind gusts exceeding 300 km/h while over the Philippine Sea.Current wind conditions in Taiwan
As it approaches Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration reported sustained winds of 155 km/h this Friday, with gusts near the typhoon’s center reaching approximately 191 km/h. Impact on daily life in Taiwan
Most schools, offices, and businesses on the island are closed, and the Taiwan Stock Exchange has also shut down. Residents are being advised to stay indoors, with over 1,200 people evacuated from affected areas.Transportation disruptions and casualties
Hundreds of flights have been canceled, including all 262 domestic flights scheduled for this Friday. Typhoon-generated waves caused one death and 94 injuries on Liuqiu Island on Thursday.Rainfall forecast for mountainous areas
Up to 900 millimeters of rain are expected between Thursday and Saturday in the mountainous regions of northern and northeastern Taiwan, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.Conditions necessary for typhoon formation
Typhoons form when warm ocean water, at least 26 °C, exists over a depth of about fifty meters. This warm water provides the energy needed for a typhoon to develop and intensify.El Niño’s influence on typhoon strength
The El Niño phenomenon, which has been present in the Pacific this year, may have contributed to the intensity of Champi. It causes warm water currents that increase surface temperatures, creating conditions favorable for typhoon development.Global warming and El Niño’s future
El Niño itself is likely influenced by global warming, which increases the risk of more intense typhoons in the region. While El Niño is not solely responsible for Champi, it may have helped it strengthen.Typhoon’s projected path and risks
Taiwan remains on alert at least until Saturday. The typhoon is expected to move north toward Shanghai, then turn northeast toward South Korea and Kyūshū, brushing southern Japan. Slower movement may prolong the typhoon’s impact in the region.
