Taiwan's Weather Administration Initiates Major Heavy Rain Operation Due to Front and Southwest Monsoon

(CNA reporter Chang Hsiung-feng, Taipei, 8th) The Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Central Weather Administration announced today that due to the effects of a stationary front and southwest monsoon, it will initiate an "enhanced operation for relatively large-scale or intense heavy rain events" at 5 PM and will hold a press briefing at 8:30 PM.

The CWA has issued a heavy rain advisory. With the front approaching, the southwest wind strengthening, and vigorous development of afternoon convective cloud systems, short-duration heavy rainfall is likely. Today, Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Keelung City may experience localized heavy rain or torrential rain; localized heavy rain is also probable in the Taoyuan and Yunlin-and-south regions, Matsu, and the mountainous areas of Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, and Nantou.

According to the CWA website, as of 3:20 PM today, the cumulative rainfall was highest in Meinong District, Kaohsiung City, at 137 mm, followed by Ligang Township, Pingtung County, at 134 mm. In Taipei City, Zhongshan District recorded the most at 127.5 mm.

The CWA advises the public to be aware of lightning and strong gusts, to be cautious of landslides, rockfalls, and sudden river surges in mountainous areas, and to guard against flooding and water accumulation in low-lying areas. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150608