Typhoon Saola strengthens as it passes Taiwan on its way to China
Typhoon Saola has strengthened overnight as it continues its path across the Pacific and heads for China’s southern coast
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Typhoon Saola strengthened overnight as it continued its path across the Pacific early Wednesday and headed for China's southern coast.
The typhoon was moving northwest with sustained winds of 191 kph (118 mph) and gusts of up to 234 kph (145 mph), according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau and is now considered a strong typhoon. The typhoon’s eye won’t hit Taiwan’s mainland, but will hit the island’s southern cities with its outer bands.
The weather bureau also warned of heavy rain and strong winds in Taiwan's southern cities, and especially southern Pingtung county. The typhoon is currently traveling directly south of Taiwan, in the Bashi Channel, the band of ocean that separates Taiwan and the Philippines.
So far the storm has not caused major damage as it passed by the Philippines earlier this week, though thousands were displaced when it brought heavy rains and flooded low-lying areas in northern Philippines.
The typhoon is expected to hit southern Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China’s south on Friday. China's National Meteorological Center said the storm is expected to weaken as it approaches land.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.