Typhoon Kong-rey Weakens as Taiwan Prepares for Heavy Rain and a Gradual Return to Normalcy

Typhoon Kong-rey has decreased slightly in strength but continues to bring severe weather, particularly heavy rainfall, across western Taiwan, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). As of Thursday evening, the storm’s core had exited Taiwan’s main island and was located northeast of Penghu County. While Kong-rey has shifted to a northerly path, the CWA reports it is forecast to move northeastward in the coming hours, affecting surrounding areas with a heavy rain warning expected to last into Friday.

The typhoon, initially a powerful system, has been gradually weakening. Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday, the wind speeds at Kong-rey’s center decreased to 144 kilometers per hour. Despite the slight weakening, residents in Taiwan are being urged to remain cautious, especially in areas where rain and winds are anticipated to intensify as the storm transitions away from Taiwan’s east coast to impact its western regions.

As Kong-rey progresses toward northeast Asia, the CWA anticipates it will continue to lose strength, potentially downgrading to a tropical storm by Friday morning. Taiwan is expected to be completely outside the typhoon’s influence by that time, with both sea and land warnings likely to be lifted by Friday night. The CWA’s announcement offers hope for the gradual resumption of normal daily activities in most parts of the country, though certain areas may continue to experience rainfall and strong gusts even after the typhoon passes.

“People should still exercise caution as Kong-rey’s outer bands continue to bring adverse weather,” a CWA representative said during a press conference, urging residents to stay updated on weather advisories as the situation progresses.

In response to the changing weather conditions, local governments across Taiwan have made adjustments to work and school schedules for Friday. Authorities in Taipei, Tainan, Chiayi, Hsinchu, and Keelung have confirmed that all schools and workplaces in their districts will reopen, allowing residents to resume daily routines after a “typhoon day” shut down activities on Thursday. However, certain high-risk areas, particularly in mountainous and coastal districts, are exercising extra caution by extending closures.

New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung cities, as well as Yilan, Nantou, Chiayi, Hsinchu, Hualien, and Taitung counties, announced that while the majority of districts would reopen, specific townships and villages will maintain closures for a second consecutive day. These areas are expected to face the brunt of the rain through Friday, with forecasts indicating “extremely torrential rain” in regions prone to landslides and flooding.

The CWA has predicted some of the heaviest rainfall for Hualien and Taitung counties, as well as mountainous zones in Yilan, Nantou, Taichung, and Hsinchu. The agency’s warning of potential “extremely torrential rain” signals risks of flooding, mudslides, and landslides in these areas. The government has advised residents, particularly those in vulnerable zones, to remain indoors and take precautions, as conditions are expected to remain hazardous.

Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taitung’s Chenggong Township on Thursday at 1:40 p.m., bringing torrential rain and winds that wreaked havoc across eastern Taiwan. According to the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), the typhoon has already claimed one life and left at least 73 people injured. Efforts to restore normalcy continue, with emergency responders actively working in affected regions to clear debris and assist those impacted by the storm.

Kong-rey’s impact has been felt across Taiwan’s transportation sector. While domestic flights are scheduled to gradually resume on Friday, services to and from the outlying Matsu Islands, such as those between Taipei and Matsu’s Nangan and Beigan Airports, will remain suspended, according to Taipei-based UNI Airways. Other airlines, including Mandarin Airlines, plan to resume flights later in the day, aiming for an operational return by 4 p.m.

The Maritime and Port Bureau has announced that ferry operations across various routes will also see disruptions due to ongoing rough sea conditions. A total of 127 ferry services on 14 routes, including key connections between Taipei and Matsu, Taitung’s Fugang Harbor and Green Island, and Fugang and Orchid Island, are suspended. Additional routes, such as ferries between Nangan, Beigan, and Matsu, will be assessed depending on weather conditions, with updates expected by 11 a.m. on Friday.

The CEOC has remained vigilant in its response to Typhoon Kong-rey’s effects, coordinating with local governments and emergency teams across Taiwan to ensure public safety. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, particularly in areas severely impacted by the typhoon. Power outages and disrupted water supplies have affected multiple communities, with repair teams working to restore essential services as quickly as possible.

As Typhoon Kong-rey exits the region, Taiwan’s focus will shift toward cleanup and recovery, particularly in regions that suffered structural damage, power outages, and transportation disruptions. For residents in areas still facing heavy rains, officials recommend avoiding travel along mountainous roads prone to landslides and coastal areas where strong waves pose risks.

With sea and land warnings expected to lift on Friday evening, Taiwan’s weather authorities and emergency services are closely monitoring the storm’s retreat and its lasting impacts. The CWA will continue providing updates to help communities make informed decisions and mitigate further risks from residual storm effects.

Although schools and workplaces are set to reopen in most districts, authorities stress the importance of caution and preparation, particularly for residents in high-risk areas. The government has issued alerts for flood-prone areas and recommended that residents prepare emergency supplies, maintain contact with local authorities, and stay informed on weather developments.

“We recognize the desire to return to normal life as quickly as possible, but the risks from residual storm effects should not be underestimated,” noted a spokesperson from the Ministry of the Interior’s disaster management office. “We urge the public to stay vigilant, heed local advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel in regions under continued rain warnings.”