Tropical Storm Morakot made landfall over southeastern China early Sundaymorning, EDT. At the time of llandfall, maximum sustained winds were near 45mph, with a few wind gusts near hurricane-force. Further weakening is expectedSunday and Sunday night, dissipating over southeast China Monday.Once a typhoon, Morakot has caused the worst flooding in 50 years to Taiwan.
Rainfall totals of 100 inches have been reported across the country. Morakot isblamed for injuring 15 across Taiwan, with at least six other people are eitherdead or missing. The Philippines also continue to clean up after outer rainbands from Morakot were blamed for causing numerous floods and landslides,killing 10 and injuring at least 18 others.
One million residents across Zhejiang and Fujian provinces were evacuated aheadof the approaching Morakot. Heavy rain began falling Saturday and Saturdaynight across these provinces as Morakot crossed the Taiwan Strait. 2 to 4inches of rain has already fallen, with much more rain expected over the next24-48 hours.
Morakot will be a remnant area of low pressure by Monday morning, EDT, but willcontinue to produce very heavy rainfall through the day Monday. An additional 3to 6 inches of rain can be expected over southeast China Monday as tropicalmoisture continues to be drawn northward by the remnant circulation fromMorakot. Widespread flooding can be expected as a result of the tropicaldownpours. Along with flooding, power outages will affect millions more in theregion.
Keep clicking back on the Accuweather Hurricane Center for the latestinformation relating to Morakot.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller
