On October 24 at 6 AM, the Central Meteorological Observatory in China issued continued blue alerts for Typhoon “Tammy.” This year’s 20th typhoon made landfall in the northeastern coastal areas of Luzon Island in the Philippines around 1 AM today. At the time of landfall, Tammy had maximum sustained winds of 10 levels (25 m/s), categorizing it as a strong tropical storm. As of 5 AM this morning, the typhoon’s center was located north of Luzon Island at 17.3° N latitude and 121.6° E longitude, with similar maximum wind speeds and a minimum central pressure of 985 hPa.
Weather forecasts predict that Tammy will move westward at a speed of 10-15 km/h and is expected to enter the eastern South China Sea by tonight. The typhoon’s intensity is expected to gradually increase, potentially reaching levels categorized as a strong tropical storm or typhoon (28-35 m/s, levels 10-12). After the 27th, the movement will slow down, and the storm will start to spiral, with a gradual decrease in intensity.
In terms of wind forecasts, from 8 AM on the 24th to 8 AM on the 25th, strong winds (levels 6-8, gusts of 9-10) are expected due to a combination of cold air and Typhoon Tammy across various regions. These areas include the Bashi Channel, waters east of Taiwan, the Taiwan Strait, most parts of the East China Sea, and the northern and central South China Sea, as well as coastal areas in Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong, among others. Notably, winds in parts of the Taiwan Strait and northeastern South China Sea may reach levels 9-10, with gusts of 11-12.
Regarding rainfall, predictions indicate heavy to torrential rains for eastern Taiwan, with localized areas possibly experiencing extraordinarily heavy rainfall amounts between 250-300 mm from 8 AM on the 24th to 8 AM on the 25th.
To protect against the typhoon, the government and relevant departments are advised to carry out emergency response efforts. Those operating in affected waters should return to port to avoid the storm and secure port facilities to prevent ships from breaking loose, running aground, or colliding. Large indoor and outdoor gatherings should be canceled, along with high-risk outdoor activities. Residents are encouraged to secure or dismantle any structures that could be blown away by the wind, remain indoors, and ensure that vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and children, stay in safe locations. During the passage of the typhoon’s center, while winds may temporarily decrease, it’s crucial to remain vigilant as strong gusts can suddenly reoccur. Additionally, residents in relevant areas should be wary of potential flash floods and geological hazards caused by heavy rainfall.
