Typhoon Podul intensifies, accelerates approaching Taiwan: CWA

Taipei, Aug. 12 (CNA) Typhoon Podul has intensified and accelerated as it nears Taiwan, with impact expected to be felt overnight, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Tuesday.

At 5 p.m., the storm's center was about 500 kilometers east-southeast of Taitung County, moving west-northwest at 25 km per hour.

With a radius of 120 km, Podul is packing maximum sustained winds of 126 kph and gusts of up to 162 kph.

● Taiwan announces service, activity suspensions due to Typhoon Podul

Forecasters said the storm has strengthened slightly in recent hours and is rapidly approaching Taiwan's southeastern coast.

Podul is expected to pass near Orchid Island and Green Island before dawn Wednesday, with its outer bands possibly reaching Taiwan proper early Wednesday morning.

Landfall is forecast near Taitung around noon, with the typhoon leaving near Tainan in the evening, the CWA said.

The storm will later impact Penghu and Kinmen counties Wednesday and Thursday before heading toward southern China, the CWA said, adding that warnings are expected to be lifted by Thursday daytime.

Winds will increase overnight Tuesday, especially in eastern Taiwan and on offshore islands, while scattered showers are expected over northern and northeastern Taiwan.

According to the CWA, the heaviest rainfall is forecast Wednesday afternoon through evening, spreading from eastern Taiwan to southern regions including Chiayi and further south.

Coastal and offshore waters could see waves rise above 4 meters, reaching over 6 meters on the eastern coast by Wednesday, it said, urging residents in low-lying coastal areas to remain vigilant against seawater flooding.