Taipei: Some train and ferry services in southern Taiwan have been suspended over the next few days due to heavy rain, according to the operators of the services.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that a combination of a low-pressure system and southwesterly winds will continue to bring rain to central and southern Taiwan. The weather effects are expected to be most severe between Monday night and Wednesday, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated from Monday night extending into the following day.

The Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office announced a suspension of operations from Monday to Wednesday as a safety measure, with reopening dates contingent on forthcoming weather conditions. Ticket holders are eligible for a full refund within one year of their intended travel date, available through the office or at Ibon kiosks in 7-Eleven stores across Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the Taiwan Railway Corp. (TRC) has issued warnings of potential delays. Flash floods have restricted services in both directions between Tainan’s Houbi and Xinying stations to a single track since 12:43 p.m. Additionally, ferry operators between Pingtung County’s Donggang Wharf and Xiaoliuqiu Island declared that all ferry services will be halted starting Tuesday afternoon due to strong winds and waves.

CWA data indicates that winds could escalate to level 5 on the Beaufort scale, causing waves as high as 1.9 meters. The CWA has forecasted localized extremely heavy rain and torrential rain for Yulin and Chiayi counties, as well as Tainan and Chiayi cities. Kaohsiung and Pingtung County could experience localized heavy to extremely heavy rain, while Changhua, Nantou, and Penghu might face localized heavy rain.

The CWA has issued warnings for flash floods, thunder, lightning, and strong gusts in these areas, along with the risk of landslides and falling rocks in mountainous regions.