Taipei: Typhoon Podul is forecast to make landfall near Taitung around noon Wednesday, cutting through southern Taiwan before moving into the Taiwan Strait later in the day, as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

According to Focus Taiwan, Hualien and Taitung counties, along with the Hengchun Peninsula in southern Taiwan, were already experiencing stronger winds and heavier rain by Wednesday morning. The CWA issued warnings for areas south of Chiayi County to prepare for similar conditions in the afternoon.

The CWA reports that Typhoon Podul, the 11th typhoon of the season, has intensified slightly. Its center was located over waters east-southeast of Taitung, moving west-northwest. By 6 a.m., the storm's radius had reached land in Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula, and by 10 a.m., its eye was positioned 90 kilometers southeast of Taitung, advancing at 32 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon was carrying maximum sustained winds near its center of 155 kph, with gusts reaching up to 191 kph. CWA weather forecaster Liu Yu-chi indicated that the typhoon's center is projected to make landfall near Taitung before moving back out to sea from southern Taiwan in the afternoon or evening. It is expected to impact coastal areas in southern China by early Thursday morning.

The storm is anticipated to peak on Wednesday, with eastern Taiwan, Chiayi, and southern regions, including the Penghu Islands, experiencing the most significant effects, such as heavy or localized torrential rain. Hualien, Taitung, and the southern mountainous areas face a high likelihood of extreme heavy rain levels, with 24-hour rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters or 3-hour rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters.

Temperature forecasts indicate highs of 27-30 degrees Celsius for Chiayi, southern regions, and eastern Taiwan. Areas from Miaoli County to Changhua County may see highs of 36 degrees, while the rest of the island can expect highs of 32-33 degrees.

The CWA noted that Taitung, including Green and Orchid islands, experienced gusts of 150 kph, with even stronger gusts anticipated later. Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula might encounter gusts exceeding 103 kph, while the Penghu Islands could experience sustained winds of 103 kph or gusts over 118 kph.