Image courtesy of Naval Research Lab (NRLMRY).Typhoon Morakot, with sustained winds of 80 knots, continues to move closer toTaiwan. In tow are widespread severe squalls harboring hurricane winds andtorrential rain. These pose a severe impact potential for the island nation,and even the neighboring mainland of China.
As of the midday hours of Friday, EDT, the center of Typhoon Morakot waslocated 81 miles south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan. Morakot is headingwest-northwestward at 6 mph, packing highest sustained winds of 95 mph. Landsnearest to the center of Morakot Thursday, namely rather small islands ofJapan`s Sakishima Archipelago, weathered heavy gales and slashing rain.
Meanwhile, outer squalls and heavy rain have already reached Taiwan, includingthe main city of Taipei.
Excessive rain and potentially damaging wind will strike Taiwan with greatestintensity today into Saturday, EDT. Rainfall locally exceeding 12 inches in thelowlands, and 2 feet over the highlands, will unleash serious flooding andearthslides. Wind damage could be severe as well.
Saturday into Sunday, the center of Morakot will likely veer northwestward to alandfall upon eastern China. Heavy rain and high winds here could have aserious impact as well.
Keep clicking back on the Accuweather Hurricane Center for the latestinformation relating to Morakot.
Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Mike Pigott
