Taiwan Braces for Tropical Storm Danas: Land Warning Likely

Outer bands bring heavy rain as storm tracks towards southern Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan is anticipating the possibility of a land warning for Tropical Storm Danas, with its outer bands already delivering increased rainfall to southeastern areas, including Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has indicated that the warning could be issued as early as late Saturday.

As of the latest reports, the storm was situated approximately 410 kilometers west-southwest of Eluanbi. It is moving in a north-northeasterly direction at a speed of 8 to 13 kilometers per hour. A sea warning has already been put in place.

The storm's maximum sustained winds near its center are reported to be 72 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 101 kilometers per hour, according to the CWA.

Forecasters anticipate that Danas will proceed towards the southern Taiwan Strait. The most significant impacts are expected to occur between Sunday and Monday morning. The precise timing for the issuance of a land warning will be contingent on the storm's projected path and speed, potentially occurring late Saturday or early Sunday.

Currently, heavy rain alerts are active for the Hengchun Peninsula. The CWA has cautioned residents about the potential for short-duration downpours, thunderstorms, and lightning.

Rainfall is expected to gradually spread northward throughout Saturday, affecting central and eastern Taiwan, as well as outlying islands such as Penghu and Kinmen. Southern and southeastern regions of Taiwan may experience localized heavy rain, while northern areas could see afternoon thunderstorms.

While Danas is not predicted to escalate into a typhoon, officials have advised that its outer circulation could still generate strong winds and substantial rainfall, particularly in areas closer to the storm's core, such as Penghu.

The CWA has also issued advisories regarding large waves along Taiwan's southern and southeastern coastlines, encompassing Orchid Island, Green Island, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Penghu County. The public is strongly advised to avoid coastal areas due to hazardous surf conditions.