Land warning expected in Taiwan for Tropical Storm Danas

Taipei, July 5 (CNA) A land warning for Tropical Storm Danas could be issued in Taiwan as early as late Saturday, as the storm's outer bands begin bringing heavier rain to southeastern regions, including Hualien, Taitung and the Hengchun Peninsula, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

As of 11 a.m., the storm was located approximately 410 kilometers west-southwest of Eluanbi, moving north-northeast at a speed of 8 to 13 kilometers per hour, the CWA reported. A sea warning has already been issued.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds near its center of 72 kph, with gusts of up to 101 kph, according to the CWA.

CWA forecaster Wu Wan-hua (伍婉華) said Danas is projected to move toward the southern Taiwan Strait, with its most significant impact expected between Sunday and Monday morning. The timing of the land warning will depend on the storm's trajectory and speed, and may be issued late Saturday or early Sunday.

Heavy rain alerts are already in effect for the Hengchun Peninsula, with the CWA warning of short-duration downpours, thunderstorms, and lightning.

Rain is forecast to gradually move northward on Saturday, reaching central and eastern Taiwan, as well as offshore islands like Penghu and Kinmen. Localized heavy rain is also expected in southern and southeastern Taiwan, while northern regions may experience afternoon thunderstorms.

Although Danas is not expected to intensify into a typhoon, Wu cautioned that its outer circulation could still bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, particularly to areas near the storm's center, such as Penghu.

The CWA also issued warnings for large waves along Taiwan's southern and southeastern coasts, including Orchid Island, Green Island, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Penghu County. The public is urged to stay away from coastal areas due to dangerous surf conditions. Taiwan likely to issue land warning for Tropical Storm Danas