Tropical Storm Fung-Wong likely to strengthen into typhoon later Friday

Taipei, Nov. 7 (CNA) Tropical Storm Fung-Wong will likely strengthen into a typhoon later Friday as it continues moving westward across the Pacific before heading in Taiwan's direction next week, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

As of 8 a.m., Fung-Wong was located about 2,190 kilometers east-southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost point, moving westward at 25 kph and possibly accelerating to 31 kph, CWA data showed.

The tropical storm is currently over waters east of the Philippines and still far from Taiwan, CWA forecaster Tseng Chao-cheng (曾昭誠) told CNA, adding that it could likely strengthen into a typhoon later in the day.

It is forecast to reach the South China Sea on Tuesday and veer northward toward Taiwan at that time, Tseng said, cautioning, however, that the angle at which it shifts direction remains uncertain.

The CWA could not currently predict whether the storm will make landfall in Taiwan, pass through the Taiwan Strait, or take a more westerly path, he said.

A sea warning could be issued Monday followed by a possible land warning the next day, Tseng said, adding that Fung-Wong is expected to come closest to Taiwan between Wednesday and Thursday.

On Tuesday, the northern and eastern half of Taiwan, as well as the Hengchun Peninsula and southern mountainous areas are expected to see widespread showers, with the possibility of heavy to torrential rain, he forecast.

Under the influence of northeasterly winds, Taiwan is expected to see sustained rainfall Thursday even as Fung-Wong makes its way to waters east of the island, Tseng said.