Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's meteorological agency issued a sea warning on Thursday afternoon as Typhoon Bavi, the ninth typhoon of the year, continued to strengthen and move toward the island, with a land warning expected early Friday.

The agency issued the sea warning at 2:30 pm, which covers waters off northeastern and southeastern Taiwan, including Orchid Island and Green Island, as well as the Bashi Channel.

According to the latest weather data, Bavi was located southeast of Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost tip, and was moving northwest.

The typhoon was packing maximum winds of 51 meters per second near its center, with gusts reaching 63 meters per second.

Forecasters said Bavi is expected to track northwest at 15 to 20 kilometers per hour and pass north of Taiwan, likely affecting the island as either a lower-end strong typhoon or an upper-end moderate typhoon.

The approaching storm has already disrupted transportation, with most flights between Taiwan and Okinawa canceled, as well as some long-haul international services. Several ferry routes have also been suspended, and mountain roads have been placed on alert due to hazardous conditions.