By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 25, 2023, at 6 AM, the Central Meteorological Administration of China issued a blue alert for Typhoon “Tianmei,” currently categorized as a tropical storm. This morning at 5 AM, the storm’s center was located near the western coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines, at coordinates 17.0°N and 119.2°E. The maximum wind speed near the center has reached level 9 (23 m/s), with a minimum central pressure of 990 hPa, and the radius of the 7-level wind circle extending 200-300 kilometers.
Weather experts predict that “Tianmei” will continue to move westward at approximately 20 kilometers per hour and is expected to enter the eastern South China Sea, gradually intensifying into a strong tropical storm or even a typhoon (28-33 m/s, levels 10-12). A shift to an easterly direction is anticipated to begin on the night of the 27th, where the storm’s intensity will likely decrease.
As for wind forecasts, from 8 AM on the 25th to 8 AM on the 26th, strong winds of levels 6-8, with gusts reaching 9-10, are expected in large parts of the East China Sea, areas east of Taiwan, the Taiwan Strait, the Bashi Channel, and much of the South China Sea. Specifically, the central Taiwan Strait, southern areas of the northern South China Sea, most of the central South China Sea, as well as the Xisha and Zhongsha islands could experience winds of levels 9-10, with gusts of 11-12.
Rain forecasts indicate significant rainfall from 8 AM on the 25th to 8 AM on the 26th, with eastern Zhejiang, northeastern Fujian, eastern Taiwan Island, and the Xisha and Zhongsha islands expected to see heavy rain. Some areas, particularly along the coastal regions of Zhejiang, northeastern Fujian, and eastern Taiwan, might experience torrential rain or even extreme downpours with totals ranging from 250 to 260 millimeters.
In light of these severe weather conditions, authorities have issued guidance for public safety:
1. Government agencies are urged to execute emergency response efforts for typhoon prevention according to their responsibilities.
2. Waterborne operations and passing vessels in affected areas should return to port to avoid the storm, with port facilities reinforced to prevent ship mishaps.
3. All large gatherings and high-risk outdoor activities should be halted.
4. Structures that are likely to be affected by the wind need to be secured or dismantled. People should avoid unnecessary outings and remain in wind-safe locations, ensuring that vulnerable individuals, like the elderly and children, are sheltered in the safest parts of their homes, with those in hazardous structures relocated promptly. Although wind intensity may lessen temporarily as the storm center passes, strong gusts could resurge without warning; it’s crucial to continue seeking shelter.
5. Residents in the affected regions should remain vigilant against potential flash floods and geological disasters due to the heavy rainfall.