Tropical Storm Podul forms over waters near Guam: CWA

Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) Tropical Storm Podul has formed over waters north-northeast of Guam and is expected to approach the seas southeast of Taiwan next week, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Friday.

The 11th Pacific storm of 2025 developed at 2 a.m. over waters about 2,660 kilometers east of Eluanbi, Pingtung County -- Taiwan's southernmost tip. It is projected to move westward and could have its most significant impact on Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday, the CWA said.

The agency did not rule out the possibility of issuing a sea warning at that time.

According to the CWA's latest update, Podul is drifting west-northwest at 22 kilometers per hour, with sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching up to 90 kph.

While a sea warning is likely, the agency noted it is still too early to determine exactly when it might be issued.

The storm is forecast to linger over waters southeast of Taiwan on Tuesday, bringing rain to eastern parts of the country through Thursday, CWA forecaster Tseng Chao-cheng (曾昭誠) told CNA.

The outlook for Podul's development remains uncertain, Tseng said, adding that a more accurate forecast will depend on its proximity to Taiwan or the Bashi Channel in the coming days.